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 HISTORY 
 
 OP 
 
 asmwifefr ^111 ainWf. 
 
 FLAN. 
 
 BY S. SWETT. 
 
 ^rcontr 3Strftion. 
 
 MUCH ENLAHGEl) WITH NEW INFORMATION DERIVED FROM THE SURVI- 
 VING SOLDIERS PRESENT AT THE CELEBRATION ON 
 
 THZ: 17TH JUSfB DiAST, 
 
 AND NOTES. 
 
 BOSTON : 
 
 MUNROE AND FRAXCIS, 128 WASHINGTON-STREET 
 
 f 826. 
 

 DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT : 
 
 District Ckrkh Office. 
 
 BE it remembered, that on the ninth day of Septemher, A.D. 1818, in the forty-third year of 
 the Independence of the United States of Amo-ica, Samuel Swett of the said District, has 
 deposited in this Office the title of a book, the right whereof be claims as Author, in the words 
 following, to wit : 
 
 Historical and topographieal Sketch of Bunker Hill Battle, with a plan. By S. Swett. 
 
 In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, " An act for the 
 encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors 
 and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned :" and also to an act, 
 entitled, " An act supplementary to an act, entitled an act for the encouragement of learning, 
 by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors anti proprietors of such 
 cc^ies during the times therein mentioned ; and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of 
 desienuig, engraving and etching, historical and other prints." 
 
 * JOHN W. DAVIS, 
 
 Qlerk of the District of Massachusetts. 
 
PRELIMINARY CHAPTER. 
 
 PREBLE,* Ward, Poraeroy, Thomas, Heath, and Whit- 
 comb, were appointed by the Mass. Congress generals of the 
 militia, some detachments of which, having defeated the ene- 
 my at Lexington and driven them into Boston, could no longer 
 be retained in quarters. Only five days after the battle, 
 Gen. Ward writes Congress, that, unless they furnished him 
 with enlisting orders immediately, he should be left entire- 
 ly alone. The day before, however, that body had resol- 
 ved, that an army of thirty thousand was necessary ; — 
 that Massachusetts would raise thirteen thousand six hun- 
 of the number ; and that the other New England States 
 should have notice given them, and be requested to furnish 
 their respective proportions. But the battle of Lexington was 
 a beacon fire to the neighbouring states. The hardy yeomen, 
 whom rage supplied with arms, did not wait to be summoned 
 by the tardy pTrocess of legislation ; they seized their hunting 
 pieces, and flew to join their brethren at the scene of danger. 
 
 The Committee of Safety, elected anew by Congress at 
 every session, were the real executive of Massachusetts. f 
 They were empowered generally to watch over the safety of 
 the commonwealth, and advise Congress of such measures as 
 they thought beneficial, and expressly commissioned : 
 
 " To assemble such and so many of the Militia and them to 
 dispose and place where and detain so long as said Committee 
 shall judge necessary, and discharge said Militia when the safe- 
 ty of the Colony will admit. And the officers of the said Mi- 
 
 • Father of Cora. Preble, who did not accept. 
 
 t The members were now John Hiftucock and Benjamin Greenleaf, who 
 never took their seats ; John Pigeon, and Enoch Freeman, seldom present ; 
 and Joseph Warren, chairman, Benjamin Chinch, Benjamin White, Joseph 
 Palmer, Abraham Watson, Samuel Holten, Azor Orne, Nathan Cushing;, and 
 Richard Devens. — Secretary, Jonathan Hastings. 
 
t BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 litia are enjoined to obey the orders and directions of said 
 Committee of Safety. And also to direct the army of this 
 Colony to be stationed where said Committee of Safety shall 
 judge most conducive to the defence and service of this Colo- 
 ny, and the general and other officers of the army are request- 
 ed to render strict obedience to such orders of said Commit- 
 tee ; but Congress have power to control any order of the 
 Committee of Safety. Also to nominate persons to Congress 
 to be commissioned officers in the army and to give enlisting 
 orders to such persons as they think proper. And if any offi- 
 cers be ready to be commissioned agreeable to the resolve of 
 this Congress during the recess of the same the Committee 
 shall fill up and deliver to them commissions to be furnished 
 said Committee in blank for that purpose." 
 
 This committee distributed beating or enhsting orders to 
 those whom they thought qualified to raise recruits. The num- 
 ber of a company was reduced from one hundred to fifty-nine ; 
 any one who enhsted this number was entitled to a captain's 
 commission ; and he who procured ten companies to serve un- 
 der him commanded the regiment. Mass. Congress issued an 
 eloquent address to the people, recruits came in with spirit, 
 and by the middle of June the New England army of citizen 
 soldiers, enhsted for a few months,* amounted to about fifteen 
 thousand. 
 
 Of these about ten thousand were of Massachusetts ; anima- 
 ted with the same love of liberty which inspired the whole, they 
 were the most thoroughly instructed in the rectitude of 
 their cause by Otis, who led the forlorn hope of the rev- 
 olution, Jno. Adams, Quincy, Hancock, Sam'l Adams, and 
 others. They were fighting battles peculiarly their own, in 
 defence of their wives, children and homes, and had that war- 
 like reputation to support, which they and their fathers ac- 
 quired from continued triumphs over ferocious savages, and 
 recent success at Nova Scotia and Louisbourg over European 
 troops. f 
 
 " Conn, and R. I. to Dec. ; Mass. to Jan. 
 
 t MASS. REGIMENTS AND FIELD OFFICERS. 
 
 from Colonels. Lt. Colonels. Majors. At 
 
 Worcester. Hon.Arteraas Ward. Jonathan Ward. Edw.Barns, Tim. Bigelow. Cambridge. 
 
 Plymouth. Hon. John Thomas. John Bailey. Thos. Mitchell, Jno. Jacobs. I!o.\bury. 
 
 Bristol. Timothy Walker. Nath'l Leonard. Abicl Mitchell. Do. 
 
 Plymouth. Theophilus Cotton. Ichabod Alden. Ebenezer Sprout. Do. 
 
 Worcester. Asa Whitcomb. Josiah Whitney. Ephraim Sawyer. Cambridge. 
 
 Do. Joseph Read. Ebenezer C'lapp. Calvin Smith. Roxbury. 
 
 Essex. John Mansfield. Isr'l Hutchinson. Ezra Putnam-. Cambridge. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 Mass. Congress, on the 10th May, ordered, a regiment of 
 artillery to be raised, it was scarcely organized yet ; the train 
 consisted of one six, two brass,* and six iron three-pound can- 
 non. Col. Richard Gridley, Lt. Col. Wm. Burbeck, Majors 
 David Mason and Scarborough Gridley, were the field offi- 
 cers. f 
 
 Rhode-Island had sent a regiment to Massachusetts imbued 
 with the determined spirit of civil and religious liberty, which 
 the founder of their state maintained through every peril. 
 Colonel Green was their commander, one of the most prom- 
 ising heroes of the revolution. The elements of a soldier were 
 so mixed in him, that his elevated rank among distinguished 
 warriors was already anticipated. Under him were Lieut. Col. 
 Olny and Maj. Box, J an experienced English soldier. An 
 artillery company with four field-pieces was attached to the 
 corps. 
 
 The hardy yeomanry of New Hampshire, beneath whose 
 strokes the lofty forests and their savage inhabitants had been 
 Ifii^elled with the dust, who had been used to little control but 
 
 From 
 
 Colonels. 
 
 Lt. Colonels. 
 
 Majors. 
 
 At 
 
 Wm. Sheppard. 
 
 David Leonard. 
 
 Roxbury. 
 
 John Robinson. 
 
 Henry Wood. 
 
 Cambridge. 
 
 James Brickett. 
 
 Thomas Poor. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Moses Parker. 
 
 John Brooks. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Seth Read. 
 
 Jeremiah Cady. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Johnson Moulton, 
 
 . Daniel Wood. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Danfortb Keyes. 
 
 Jonathan Holman. 
 
 Pioxbury. 
 
 William Bond. 
 
 Michael Jackson. 
 
 Cambridge- 
 
 Thomas Nixon. 
 
 John Butterick. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Nathan Eager. 
 
 Benjamin Tapper. 
 
 Roxbury. 
 
 Benj'n Holden. 
 
 Willard Moore. 
 
 Cambridge. 
 
 Wm.Buckminster. Nathaniel Cudvvorth. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Rufus Putnam. 
 
 Nathaniel DanielsoH. 
 
 Roxbury. 
 
 John Graten. 
 
 Jotham Loriug, Jos. Vose. 
 
 Do. 
 
 Abijah Brown. 
 
 William Stacey. 
 
 Cambr. 
 
 John Gerry. 
 
 Gabriel Johonnot. 
 
 Marblehead. 
 
 Isaac Smith. 
 
 James Collins. 
 
 Cambr. 
 
 Loammi Baldwin 
 
 . James Weston. 
 
 Do. Milden 
 ii. Chelsea. 
 
 Wor.&Ham. Timothy Danielson. 
 Middlesex. William Prescott. 
 Essex. James Frye. 
 
 Middlesex. Ebenezer Bridge. 
 Berkshire. John Patterson. 
 Maine. James Scamman. 
 
 Wor.&Berk. Ebenezer Learned. 
 Middlesex. Thomas Gardner. 
 Do. St Wor. John Nixon. 
 Ham.&Berk. John Fellows. 
 Worcester. Ephraim Doolittle. 
 Do. & Middl. Jonathan Brewer. 
 Do. h do. David Brewer. 
 Suffolk. Hon. William Heath 
 
 Hampshire. Benj.R.Woodbridge 
 Essex. John Glover. 
 
 Do. Moses Little. 
 
 Do. tMidd. Samuel Gerrish. 
 
 A number of companies, belonging to regiments at Roxbury, were at Braintree, Wey- 
 mouth, Hingbam, and other parts of Plymouth county. 
 
 * The Hancock and Adams, so adroitly taken by stratagem from a British 
 guard in Boston. Tiie two other pieces, taken near the same time and carri- 
 ed to Roxbury, were doubtless in Gen. Thomas' camp. 
 
 Trpv,-f> 
 
 t Capts. Callender, Burbeck, Ti'OiCQlij Pierce, Chadwick, Gridley, Popkip, 
 Crafts, Foster, and Badlam. 
 
 ^ Appointed Brig. Maj. by Washington. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 what the God ol" Nature imposed, were moved with indignation 
 at approaching tyranny. They flocked as vokmteers to the 
 neighbourhood of Boston, and chose Col. Stark, Lieut. Col. 
 Wyman, and Maj. M'Clary their leaders. Their colonel was 
 worthy to command this formidable band ; he had been a dis- 
 tinguished captain of Provincial Rangers received into the ser- 
 vice of the crown, was at Quebec under Gen. Wolfe, and en- 
 joyed half pay as a British officer, an offering he made with 
 other sacrifices for the good of his country. — Their major also 
 was a favourite officer. Nearly six feet and a half in height, 
 with a Herculean form in perfect proportions, a voice like 
 Stentor, and strength of Ajax ; ever unequalled in athletic 
 exercises, and unsubdued in single combat, whole bodies of 
 men had been overcome by him, and he seemed totally uncon- 
 scious that he was not equally unconquerable at the cannon's 
 mouth. His mind and character were of the same grand and 
 energetic cast with his person ; and though deficient in the ad- 
 vantages of finished education, he had been a member of the 
 state legislature, and his mercantile concerns were extensive. 
 
 Colonel Sargent, driven from Massachusetts by the en- 
 mity of Governor Hutchinson, resorted to Amherst, and 
 and brought a small regiment from that part of New Hamp- 
 shire.* And, on 15th June, another small regiment from New 
 Hampsln're, arrived under Col. Reed, Lieut. Col. Gilman, and 
 Maj. Hale. 
 
 Republican Connecticut, the secure asylum of the regicide 
 judges, was behind none of the provinces in determined hostili- 
 ty to Britain, for not only civil but rehgious liberty, paramount 
 with her to all earthly considerations, was in danger. In her 
 vocabulary the British were the Philistines, and Putnam, the 
 Ameiican Samson, f a chosen instrument to defeat the foe ; 
 and fortunately she inspired her confidence into all her sister 
 states. With her usual sagacity, however, this province, not- 
 withstanding a confident reliance on supernatural aid, employed 
 all human means to secure it. Her State constitution and es- 
 tablishments were unchanged, her troops the best armed, dis- 
 ciplined, and provisioned, in the army. 
 
 - Col Sargent's Lett. 
 
 So completely had almost every tiicunistance relative to Ihe battle been 
 permitted to sink into oblivion, that the author coulti nut in 1818 discover to 
 what provinco this whole rrgiinsnt belonged, but presiimed to A1ap*achusetts, 
 whiMT the Col. did ; what renders it more striking. Gen. Dearborn, of tlie N.H. 
 troops, seems to have forg^otten it ; he mentions two other reginicnts only as 
 coming' from New Hampshire. 
 
 f N. E Chron. Anj:. '75. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 7 
 
 On the first news of the battle of Lexington, Putnam mount- 
 ed his horse, rode night and day till he arrived at Cambridge, 
 and attended a Council of War on the 21st April, when the 
 parole was Putnam.* His troops soon followed him ; Storrs 
 was Lieut. Col. and Durkee, who had served with him through 
 the whole war of '56, with distinguished reputation, the Maj. 
 of his regiment. Brig. Gen. Spencer, Lieut. Col. Willis, and 
 Maj. Mayo, Col. Waterbury and Col. Parsons came also with 
 the Connecticut troops, in all about three thousand. Capt. 
 Coit, who had lost an eye, was next to M'Clary in stature and 
 intrepidity ; he commanded an independent company of New- 
 London mariners, and Chester another independent company 
 from Weathersfield, the elite corps of the army. As such it 
 was selected, on the 6th June, to escort Gen. Putnam and 
 Warren, President of Congress, to Charlestown, on the ex- 
 change of prisoners with the British. 
 
 The scene of their meeting was hallowed by the flag of truce 
 which waved over it, and sacred to the rites of hospitahty and 
 friendship. The officers on both sides were personal friends, 
 though arrayed against each other in pubhc hostility. Between 
 Putnam and the British officers, especially, these ties had been 
 cemented by the mutual perils and intimate associations of the 
 camp, during the long war of '56, and their present opposition 
 served only to make their affection glow with a more genial 
 warmth. These rugged sons of Mars, from the impulse of 
 feehng, rushed into each others' arms ; bravery proved its 
 natural alhance with the finer feelings of the human heart ; 
 the fell spirit of civil war was softened. The British were en- 
 tertained by Putnam and Warren as their guests. 
 
 The army was under the command of Artemas Ward, com- 
 missioned the 2 1st of May, as general and commander in chief 
 of the Massachusetts forces. His general orders were copied 
 and obeyed by all the troops in Massachusetts to whatever 
 Province they^ belonged, and the officers were ordered on 
 courts martial, and the usual routine of duty without any dis- 
 tinction whatever.* Mass. Congress also resolved, on the 
 23d of May, that a Lieut. Gen., two Maj. Gens., four Brig., two 
 Adj. and two Qr. Mr. Gens, should be appointed. 
 
 Gen. Ward was a gentleman of liberal education, vigorous 
 understanding and distinguished probity. He had been a mem- 
 ber of the council, speaker of the assembly, and chief justice of 
 one of the courts in Massachusetts. He professed the rigid 
 
 Ord. Book 
 
O BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 tenets ol New England religion, and his rank and character 
 commanded an extensive influence in the country. He had 
 also served with reputation in the war of '56, was a lieut. col. 
 at the storming of Ticonderoga, imder Gen. Abercrombie, and 
 soon after commanded the regiment. He had also been a 
 Col. of militia, an office from which Gov. Hutchinson reheved 
 him on account of his being too true a patriot. 
 
 Gen. Thomas received the appointment of Lieut. Gen. which 
 he accepted the 27th of May. As a gentleman of honor, supe- 
 rior talents and education, a pure patriot, a gallant, enterprizing 
 soldider, his character commanded universal confidence. He 
 had served in the former war with reputation, and already dis- 
 tinguished himself in this. Being in command at Roxbury 
 with a feeble force, Gen. Gage had determined to drive him 
 from that important post. But his vigilance detected the de- 
 sign, and by a ruse de guerre he defeated it, manoeuvring his 
 troops in sight of the enemy, he gave them the appearance of 
 much greater numbers than he possessed, and the enemy re- 
 linquished the enterprize.* 
 
 The veteran Gen. Pomeroy of Northampton continued with 
 the new levied troops under his old commission, not having yet 
 received a new appointment, and assisted in organizing the 
 army. He was a hardy intrepid adventurous soldier, a keen 
 and celebrated hunter, an honest, open hearted man. He had 
 acquired a distinguished reputation in the war of '56, when 
 military fame was the reward of individual prowess and pri- 
 vate enterprise, and left the service a laurelled captain of Pro- 
 vincials. He commanded a company under Sir William John- 
 son in the celebrated engagement when the French and In- 
 dians, under the Baron Dieskau, were defeated. To our cap- 
 tain the honor of having slain the Baron was awarded over 
 rival claims, and the baron's watch w^as bestowed on him as a 
 trophy to be transmitted with his fame to posterity. f He was 
 in fact the natural military chieftain of his neighbourhood, and 
 may well be styled the Putnam of Connecticut river. 
 
 Gen. Whitcomb bore a close resemblance in history and 
 character to Pomeroy. He appeared with the militia at Lex- 
 ington battle, but was too old for service. He received the 
 appointment of Muster Master, with Col. Benjamin, and on 
 12th June of Maj. Gen. which he declined. 
 
 On the 14th of June, Joseph Warren J was elected a major 
 general of Massachusetts. In his character the heroism of an- 
 
 * Gordon. 
 
 t It is yet retained in his family. 
 
 i " Un des ces hommes, dont la nature est avare." 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. }) 
 
 tiquity combined with the romaiilic chivalry of the middle ages. 
 An accomplished scholar ; gifted with distinguished genius, 
 his mind was stored with the treasures of classic erudition. A 
 model as an orator ; ardent, elegant, and impressive, selected 
 twice to address his fellow citizens in public, his eloquence 
 burst asunder those strong ties by which nature bound them 
 to the mother country. A patriot, pure and without reproach ; 
 his favourite maxim was " Dulce et decorum est pro patria 
 mori." An eminent physician ; his superb character soared 
 far beyond the narrow limits of his profession. In person 
 handsome, in manners elegant and accomplished, he was the 
 favorite of the drawing room, and quahfied to shine in the 
 highest circles of fashion. But the cause of liberty, of his 
 country, and mankind, summoned him to a destiny by far more 
 exalted. Chairman of the Committee of Safety, and Presi- 
 dent of the Provincial Congress, he remembered that, in the 
 simplicity of ancient republics, the most distinguished legisla- 
 tors were also the most devoted warriors. As a volunteer 
 he accompanied Gen. Putnam to one of the islands, where, in a 
 a warm engagement, the enemy were defeated and one of 
 their vessels destroyed ;* and his head had been grazed by a 
 ball from the enemy at the batde of Lexington. 
 
 Gen. Ward's quarters were at Cambridge, with about 8,000 
 Massachusetts troops, and 1000 from Connecticut. The latter, 
 with Sargent's and Patterson's regiments, were under the im- 
 mediate command of Gen. Putnam, in a central and advanced 
 position near Inman's farm, where the enemy landed previous 
 to the battle of Lexington. Some shght breastworks were 
 thrown up by these troops, and a considerable redoubt erected 
 near the Charlestown road, a mile and a half from Cambridge, 
 where Col. Patterson's regiment was stationed. Four compa- 
 nies of artillery with, and one without field pieces, were also at 
 Cambridge. 
 
 The right wing of the army, consisting of about 2000 Mas- 
 sachusetts, 2000 Connecticut, and 1000 R. L troops, was at 
 Roxbury, under command of Lieut. Gen. Thomas, who had 
 with him three or four companies of artillery, with small field 
 pieces, and one or two large caimon. He extended a portion 
 of his troops towards the seaboard in Dorchester. 
 
 At Medford were about one thousand New Hampshire troops 
 under Colonels Reed and Stark, and a detachment of the same 
 
 Putnam headed liis mon on this attack up to his middle in miul and water. 
 
 ,\. H. ficz. Jnc. '75 
 
lU BbWKEB UILL BATTLi;. 
 
 troops with three companies of Gerrish's regiment at Chelsea, 
 tbrniing the left wing of the army. A large guard, part of Lit- 
 tle's and other regiments, were stationed at Lechmere point, 
 on the evening of IGtli June. 
 
 All these troops were hardy, brave, and athletic. Almost 
 every soldier would rival Tell as a marksman, and aim bis 
 weapon at an oppressor with as keen a relish. Those from 
 the frontier had gained this address against the savages and 
 beasts of the forest ; the country abounded with game, all were 
 familiar with hunting ; and the amusement universal through- 
 out New England was the trial of skill with the musket. These 
 troops were also religious, and their respect for the opinions of 
 the clergy unbounded. But the religion of their clergy was 
 republican in its nature ; they had the most hvely antipathy to 
 church establishments, and dread of royal oppression. To 
 avoid the expense of chaplains, the clergy in the neighbour- 
 hood of the camp were invited by Congress to perform divine 
 service, thirteen of them every sabbath ; a request they 
 punctually complied with. Three or four chaplains, however, 
 were attached to the army,* and prayed with the troops every 
 morning on the common. 
 
 The confidence of the army in their o/licers was implicit and, 
 as it appears from the characters already described, richly merit- 
 ed. But, besides their superior officers, many of the subordi- 
 nate officers and privates had served in the army in the war of 
 '45 or of '56. 
 
 Their confidence was at present elevated to an excess by 
 the recent and unexpected conquests, which their arms had 
 accomplished. Besides the victory at Lexington, and success- 
 ful skirmishes in the neighbourhood of Boston, they had just 
 learned, that Arnold, f who had received a colonel's commis- 
 sion and troops from the Committee of Safety of Massachu- 
 chusetts, had, in alliance with other New England forces, 
 achieved the important conquest of Crown Point and Ti- 
 conderoga. These troops were also sensible that they were 
 fighting in their own cause, and were exalted into heroes by 
 an ardent love of liberty, a maddening, indignant sense of op- 
 pression. This indignation burned with new fury from a re- 
 cent proclamation of Gov. Gage, denouncing them all as rebels, 
 
 * Rev. Jos. Thaxter of Edgartown was one of them, who made an audible 
 and eloquent prayer before an assembly of 20,000 at the celebration on 17. 
 June last. 
 
 t Arnold came to Cambridge immediately after Lexington battle with an 
 independent Conn, company, and offered his services for any dangerous en- 
 terprize, to the Com. of Safety. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 11 
 
 and especially the proscribed patriots Hancock and Adams, 
 their abettors, adherents, and associates. 
 
 Excepting these characteristics, however, they were defi- 
 cient in almost every important requisite of an army. Their 
 arms were wretchedly defective, and the bayonet almost uni- 
 versally wanting. They were strangers to discipline and al- 
 most to subordination. Though nominally organized into regi- 
 ments, these were deficient in numbers, many of them only skele- 
 tons, and their respective ranks not ascertained. Some of 
 these troops were yet serving as minutemen,* and the officers 
 in a number of regiments were not commissioned. Tents were 
 not provided, the commissariat, quarter-master's department, 
 and staff were yet unorganized. f The several towns sent suf- 
 ficient provisions to their troops, but with irregularity and 
 waste. 
 
 Col. Gridley was appointed chief, and Wm. Burbeck second 
 engineer ; but the latter was attached to the ordnance depart- 
 ment, and Gridley had no assistant engineers. It was impos- 
 sible for him to supply this defect, and he was almost too old 
 for service ; but, if mihtary science, skill, and experience could 
 have overcome these difficulties, there was not an officer in 
 America more capable of accomplishing it. 
 
 He was born in Boston, 1711, and brother of J. Gridley. 
 " tlie giant of the law." Uncommon genius, improved by su- 
 perior education, prepared him for an elevated standing. Apt 
 and learned in every branch of mathematics ; of romantic 
 honor, chivalrous ambition, <jnd adventurous bravery, nature 
 made him a soldier ; and art could not make him a merchant. 
 The attempt was relinquished, and, like Washington, he em- 
 ployed himself as a practical surveyor and civil engineer. Af- 
 ter the decease of his brother, who held the office, he was elected 
 Grand Master of Masons. Military science he studied with 
 enthusiasm and acquired with facility, and in '45 he commen- 
 ced his military career. 
 
 Massachusetts raised an army of three thousand two hun- 
 dred men. New Hampshire added three and Connecticut five 
 
 * Minute men were raised, by advice of a meeting of Boston patriots, as 
 early as '72, and 29 Oct. '74 Mass. Congress enjoin on the militia to choose 
 company officers, these field officers, the latter to enlist i at least of their 
 respective companies, and form into companies of not less than 50, who shall 
 equip and he prepared at the shortest notice, officer themselves in the manoer 
 of the militia, the company officers to form battalions of 9 companies. 
 
 t John Pigeon was appointed Commissary ; no deputies were appointed 
 till I.July. The first Adj. Gen appointed was Wm. Henshaw on the 27th June. 
 Sam'l Brewer was Adj. Gen. to Thomns. 
 
12 BtJNklbR HILL BATTLE. 
 
 hundred, to conquer the Island of Cape Breton. In this army 
 he received tlie appointment of engineer and commander of the 
 artillery. Under the instruction of Bastide, a distinguished 
 engineer, he became at once an adept in his profession, and, 
 hke Archimedes, acquired celebrity in the war of sieges. With 
 scientific accuracy he pointed the mortar which, on the third 
 fire, threw a shell into the citadel of Louisbourg, one grand 
 cause of its surrender, and the conquest of Cape Breton. He 
 was rewarded by a captaincy in Gov. Shirley's regiment on 
 the British establishment ; peace left him on half pay, and in 
 '52 he attended the governor to the Kennebeck, and erected 
 forts Western and Halifax. 
 
 In '55 he again entered the service as chief engineer and 
 colonel of infantry. In '56 he was commander of the provin- 
 cial artillery, under Gen. Winslow, in the expedition against 
 Crown Point, and proceeded to Lake George, where he erect- 
 ed fortifications. In '57 he sailed for Halifax, intended for 
 Louisbourg, but the expedition was arrested by the French 
 fleet. In '5S he revisited his earliest field of glory, and was at' 
 the second taking of Louisbourg, under Gen. Amherst. He 
 had the superintendence of the ordnance stores, and was so 
 distinguished in the siege, as were all the New England troops, 
 that the general tendered him the valuable furniture of the 
 governor's house, a present which, from chivalrous delicacy, he 
 declined. 
 
 At the siege of Quebec, he enjoyed the distinguished honor 
 of commanding the provincial artillery under the immortal 
 Wolfe.* Gen. Amherstfounditimpossible to join the expedition; 
 notwithstanding which, the audacious commander, seconded by 
 Gridley and his other ofiicers, determined to achieve the con- 
 quest without him. In tlie glorious battle, which ensued, Grid- 
 ley proved himself worthy to fight by his side. Gridley's ser- 
 vices were acknowledged and rewarded. The Magdalen 
 islands with an extensive seal and cod fishery, and half pay as 
 a British officer, were conferred on him. At the commence- 
 ment of the revolution his British agent, by order of govern- 
 ment, enquired to what party he devoted his services. His 
 
 * With (lie utmost difliculty two pieces only coulsl be raised to the heights 
 of Abraham ; the grape shot from these made grtnit liavoc among the enemy. 
 
 Knox's Camp, in Jimcr. 
 
 The respffctnhle intelligent thihlren of Col. Gridley, t'lom whom \ve derived 
 most of our information concerning him, stated Irom recollection that he 
 cominanded these pieces. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 13 
 
 magnanimous answer was, " he never drew his sword but in 
 " the cause of justice, and such he considered to be his coun- 
 " try's." His half pay ceased, and the arrears ah'eady due 
 he had too much spirit to receive. 
 
 The British army in Boston, at the time of Lexington battle, 
 were about four thousand, under Gen. Gage, the governor of 
 Massachusetts. He had served with eclat in Europe and 
 America, had married an American lady, was popular in the 
 country, and disposed to moderate expedients, until he sacri- 
 ficed his own judgment to the advice of violent partizans. By 
 the last of May, large reinforcements arrived, and the whole 
 consisted of the following regiments : the 4th, 5th, 10th, 14tb, 
 3 companies of the 18th, 23d, 35th, oSth, 43d, 47th, 52d, 59th, 
 63d, 2 companies of the 65th, and the G7th. These amounted to 
 about 10,000 troops, under Gens. Gage, Howe, Clinton, Bur- 
 goyne, Pigot, Grant, and Robinson, Lords Percy and Rawdon ; 
 Col. Abercrombie, Williams, and others ; the most distinguish- 
 ed officers and choicest troops of the British empire. The 
 52d, Royal Irish, and the 23d or Welsh fusileers,* had been 
 the most signalized. There was also a squadron of cavalry, 
 for whose use a house of God J was sacrilegiously assumed. 
 
 The light infantry were encamped on the heights of West 
 Boston ; there was a strong battery for cannon and mortars on 
 Copps Hill, facing Charlestown. and strong lines and batteries 
 across the neck on the side of Roxbury ; a battery at the 
 northern extremity of the town, another on Fort hill, one at 
 Fox hill on the common, where the marines, artillery, and 6lh 
 Regt. were encamped, 3 on the western shore of the common 
 facing Cambridge, where the Royal Irish were stationed, and 
 there were troops at Barton's point. 
 
 The British were equally sanguine, and as confident of suc- 
 cess as their enemy, for whom, as soldiers, they entertained a 
 sovereign contempt. Tiiis opinion was nourished by their offi- 
 cers who had served with those of the Provincials, when they 
 were degraded below British officers of similar commissions^ 
 and the generals were allowed no rank with those of the mother 
 country. They were confirmed in the same opinion from the 
 ordinary arms and uncouth dress of the American troops,f 
 worn by them unchanged from the plough or the workshop, 
 
 * Prince of Wales's Rcgt. From a tradition that a former Prince had rid- 
 den to England on a goat ; one, with gilded horns, was maintained by the 
 corps, and they celebrated the anniversary of the feat. 
 
 t Old South. 
 
 t Many soldiers wore leather aprons on parade. 
 
14 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 and the want of discipline and subordination which signalized 
 their camp. They were also enthusiastic admirers of their 
 government and constitution ; king and parliament they consid- 
 ered (.uinipotent, and the Americans ungrateful, unnatural rebels, 
 on whom they burned to inflict exemplary punishment. 
 
 Their narrow quarters galled their pride ; Burgoyne de- 
 clared they would have elbow room, and Gen. Gage proclaimed 
 his mortification " that the Americans affected to hold the 
 British army besieged." Notwithstanding the superior and in- 
 creasing numbers of the foe, they determined to leave the 
 town, and take Charlestown and Dorchester heights. The 
 busy preparation had commenced to possess themselves of the 
 latter on the ISth of June,* but the Americans before that 
 provided other occupation for their arms. 
 
 The Americans were impatient to be led against the enemy. 
 They were unable to appreciate the necessity of discipline, or 
 to understand the unorganized state of the army in every de- 
 partment ; but the hardships and expense of service they sore- 
 ly realized. Many of the officers were favourable to the wish- 
 es of the men. They had been used to the loose service of 
 rangers, and could not weigh the requisitions of a regular army, 
 and the country was growing dissatisfied with their inaction. 
 Gen. Putnam, Col. Prescott, and other veterans, demanded 
 that advantage should be taken of this disposition of the men. 
 The utility of the frequent and successful skirmishes they had 
 already engaged in was immense. They promised themselves 
 still higher advantage from an affair more important, but short 
 of a general engagement. They knew, that, could the enemy 
 be induced to engage a formidable detachment, their inferiority 
 with the musket would make them deeply rue any advantage 
 they might gain, while it would convert our army into soldiers ; 
 and th(}se beneficial results would be doubled, could the Amer- 
 icans be covered by intrenchments. Putnam urged his fa- 
 vourite maxim, " the Americans are not at all afraid of their 
 '' heads, though very much afraid of their legs ; if you cover 
 " these they will fight forever." Before the Council of War, 
 in continual session, these arguments were under consideration. 
 
 The same momentous question had been debated in the 
 Committee of Safety. They received information, from their 
 emissaries, that the enemy intended to advance into the coun- 
 try, and possess themselves of the commanding heights of 
 Charlestown and Dorchester. The necessity of anticipating 
 ihcm in a project So fatal to America for the purpose of pre- 
 
 " Baraovne. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 15 
 
 venting their advance into the country, destroying their ship- 
 ping, and rendering the town too hot for them w^as strongly 
 urged. 
 
 But this course was opposed by formidable, and almost in- 
 superable difficulties. The army seemed called on to keep 
 themselves rigidly on the defensive till they were better disci- 
 plined and prepared for battle ; and what was still more im- 
 portant, they had not gunpowder. There were eleven barrels 
 only in the public depots, and but sixty seven in Massachusetts. 
 These heights completely overlooked the town, and it was im- 
 possible for the enemy to suffer the Americans to keep them 
 without the most desperate efforts ; and a general engagement. 
 This and the cannonade they would be compelled to maintain 
 to answer that of the enemy, (for if omitted it would betray their 
 secretjdeficiency of powder) were entirely beyond their means. 
 Gen. Pomeroy, however, took council of his courage, and with 
 unbounded confidence in the skill of his countrymen " would 
 " fight the enemy with but five cartridges a piece. He was 
 " practised in hunting, and always brought home two, and 
 " sometimes three deer, with but three charges of powder ; the 
 " men had generally supplied themselves with powder as mili- 
 " tia, and the pubhc could easily make good their deficiency." 
 To Ward and Warren's objection, that the enterprize would 
 lead to a general engagement ; Putnam answered, " we wiJJ 
 risk only 2000 men, we will go on with these and defend our- 
 selves as long as possible, and, if driven to retreat, we are more 
 active than the enemy and every stone wall shall be lined with 
 their dead, and at the worst, suppose us surrounded and no re- 
 treat, we will set our country an example of which it shall not be 
 ashamed, and teach mercenaries what men can do determined 
 to live or die free." Warren walked the floor, leaned on his 
 chair, " almost thou persuadest me, Gen. Putnam," said he ; 
 " but I must still think the project rash ; if you execute it, how- 
 ever, you will not be surprised to find me by your side." " I 
 hope not," said Putnam, " you are young, and your country 
 has much to hope from you in council and the field ; let us who 
 are old and can be spared begin the fray, there will be time 
 enough for you hereafter, it will not soon be over."* 
 
 To encourage discipline and emulation, and brave the enemy, 
 Putnam marched in face of them with all the troops from Cam- 
 bridge to Charlestown, about the 10th of June. And about the 
 same time, to support the pohcy of engaging the enemy in an 
 
 Oen. Putnam's statement to his son. 
 
10 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 affair, he reconnoitred the country with other officers. A po- 
 sition perfectly suited to their purpose, which does honour to 
 their coup d'oeil and military skill, they found in the fields of 
 Charlestovvn, and examined minutely.* 
 
 By the direction of Gen. Ward, Col. Gridley and Col. Hen- 
 shaw, accompanied by Mr. Devens, had examined this part of 
 the country in May, and reported in favour of fortifying Pros- 
 pect Hill first, Bunker Hill next, and lastly Breeds Hill.f 
 
 The settlement of Charlestovvn and the fields are situated on 
 a peninsula, with Charles River on the south, and Mystic riv- 
 er on the north. It is eleven hundred yards across Irom north 
 to south, and one mile forty three rods in length from east to 
 west, at which extremity the two rivers approach each other, 
 and form a neck of land but one hundred and thirty yards over. 
 Breed's Hill, 62 feet high, is long, the eastern end rather steep, 
 the western sinking gradually ; the south side is very steep, and 
 at the bottom of it was Charlestown. The north side is steep, 
 and protected at the bottom by a small impassable slough ; be- 
 yond this, north, is a tongue of land, 20 feet above Mystic River, 
 which bounds it on the north. This tongue of land runs east 
 parallel with Breed's to within two hundred and fifty yards of 
 Morton's Hill. Morton's Hill, 35 feet in height, lies northeast 
 from Breed's. The ground between the tongue of land and 
 Breed's Hill, and beyond the eastern end of it and Morton's Hill 
 was low and marshy. On part of this low land, however, w^ere 
 a number of brick kilns, and a sluice way by which the whole 
 might be inundated at high tide, which on the 17th June was at 
 I past 9. The tongue of land at its Avestern extremity termina- 
 tes in Bunker Hill, which on this side has a considerable slope, 
 and on all its other sides is exceedingly steep. It is 110 feet 
 high, bears northwest from Breed's, which it completely com- 
 mands ; their summits being distant from each other one hun- 
 dred and thirty rods only. A narrow road ran from the neck 
 over Bunker Hill, between the tongue of land and Breed's Hill, 
 and entirely round Breed's Hill, approaching very near its 
 summit on the south. 
 
 Even the daring enterprise of Warren hesitated at the diffi- 
 culties, apparently insurmountable, which opposed our taking 
 and maintaining possession of the heights of Charlestown. But 
 the Committee of Safety, of which he was chairman, and in 
 which he opposed the measure, and the Council of War, adopted 
 a different opinion. Like a genuine patriot, his own opinion 
 
 Stephen Codman Esq. antl Col. Putnam. 
 t Col. Heiiflifuv. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. t^ 
 
 was forgotten, and he joined lieart and Iiand with his brethren 
 to command success. 
 
 On the 15th of June, the Committee of Safety passed tlie 
 following votes : 
 
 " Whereas this Committee lately applied to the Hon. the Con- 
 gress of this colony, for an augmentation of the army now in 
 the vicinity of Boston, and as some circumstances have since 
 taken place, which strengthened the arguments then used in 
 favour of the said augmentation ; particularly that many of 
 the then expected reinforcements for Gen. Gage's arm.y are 
 arrived ; that Gen. Gage has issued a very extraordinary pro- 
 clamation, in which the inhabitants of Massachusetts are, in the 
 most explicit manner, declared rebels ; and various accounts 
 have been brought to this Committee of the movements of Gen. 
 Gage's army, and that he intends soon to make another attempt to 
 penetrate into the country : From the consideration of all 
 which premises, together with that of our army, Resolved, that 
 the good and welfare of the colony requires that there be an 
 immediate augmentation of said army, that such soldiers in the 
 army as be destitute of arms be immediately supplied there- 
 with, that such regiments of militia as be destitute of officers be 
 immediately filled up, in such manner as the Honourable Con- 
 gress may direct ; and that all the militia in the colony be or- 
 dered to hold themselves in readiness to march, on the short- 
 est notice, completely equipped, having thirty rounds of car- 
 tridges per man ; all which is earnestly recommended to the 
 immediate consideration of the Honourable Congress, now sit- 
 ting in Watertown. To which the Committee would beg leave 
 to add a general recommendation to the people, to go to meet- 
 ing armed on the Lord's day, in order to prevent being thrown 
 into confusion." On the same day they passed the following 
 vote, which, for secrecy, Vv'as not recorded until the 19th of 
 June : — " Whereas it appears of importance to the safety of 
 this colony that possession of the hill called Bunker Hill, in 
 Charlestown, be securely kept and defended, and also some 
 one hill or hills on Dorchester Neck be likewise secured, 
 therefore resolved unanimously, that it be recommended to the 
 Council of War that the above mentioned Bunker Hill be 
 maintained by sufficient force being posted there ; and as the 
 particular situation of Dorchester Neck is unknown to this 
 Committee, they advise that the Council of War take and pur- 
 sue such steps respecting the same, as to them shall appear to 
 be for the securitv of thi> cnlonv." On the same day it was 
 
IS iJLNKER HILIi BATTLE. 
 
 ordered, " thai Captain Benjamin White and Colonel Joseph 
 Palmer be a committee to join with the committee from the 
 Council of War, to proceed to the Roxbury camp, there to 
 consult with the general officers on matters of importance, and 
 to communicate to them a resolve this day passed, in this 
 Committee, respecting Bunker Hill in Charlestown, and Dor- 
 chester Neck." The Provincial Congress prepared an elo- 
 quent and energetic answer to Gov. Gage's proclamation, to be 
 issued on the 16th of June, in w^hich Gov. Gage and Admiral 
 Graves are excepted from the general amnesty, to respond to 
 the proscription of Hancock and Adams ; but this paper con- 
 test was forgotten in the bloody battle which ensued. 
 
 THE BATTLE. 
 
 ON the 16th of June '75, the sun fell with its full force on the 
 American camp,* the earth was parched up, but the vigorous 
 frames and patriotic spirit of the soldiers were proof against its 
 influence. With the advice of the Council of War, General 
 Ward issued orders to Col. William Prescott, Col. Bridge, and 
 the commandant of Fiye'sf regiment, to be prepared for an 
 expedition, with all their men fit for service, and one day's 
 provisions. The same order issued for one hundred and twen- 
 ty of Gen. Putnam's regiment, and Capt. Gridley's company 
 of artillery with two field pieces. 
 
 With these troops Col. Prescott was ordered to proceed to 
 Charlestown in the evening, take possession of Bunker Hill, 
 and er€Ct the requisite fortifications to defend it. His orders 
 were to be kept profoundly secret, and provisions and refresh- 
 ments were to be sent in the morning, with as many more 
 
 * Gen. Ward's camp was the town of Cambridge and vicinity ; the sol- 
 diers were quartered in Colleges, and whatever building^s they could find to 
 shelter them for a mile or two around, especially the country seats of refu- 
 gees. The Episcopal churrli was used for barracks, and the organ pipes 
 melted into bullets ; to our ancestors the whizzing of a ball against the enemy 
 was more agreeable music than tlic )-rofane strains of a church organ, they 
 had quite as little respect for Episcopal churches as the enemy had for puri- 
 tanical meeting houses. 
 
 t Col. Frye was ill with gout, Pros, of a Court Martial, and a much older offi- 
 cer than Prsscott. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 19 
 
 troops as should be necessary to reinforce him. Three of 
 Bridge's companies did not join the detachment, but one or 
 two small fatigue parties from other regiments joining, the 
 whole amounted to about 1000 men. 
 
 They were assembled early in tlje evening and attended a 
 solenm prayer on Cambridge Common, offered up by the Rev. 
 President Langdon, of Harvard College. 
 
 Not an officer in the army could have been selected better 
 deserving the honor of die appointment, or more able to exe- 
 cute the arduous enterprise, tlian Col. Prescott. In this vet- 
 eran, age already began to display its ravages ; but the fire of 
 his youth was undamped. He was of Pepperell, and early left 
 in afSuence by the decease of his father. He soon received a 
 commission in the provincial army, and, with many of his neigh- 
 bourhood, who enlisted, joined the forces under Gen. Winslow, 
 and assisted in the conquest of Nova Scotia. His military 
 talents attracted admiration, and he was urged by the British 
 officers to accept a commission in the royal army. But ho 
 would not consent to be separated from his brave soldiers and 
 countrymen, and returned to his estate. The soldiers, who 
 had served under him, still continued to consider him their 
 head. Like the chief of a feudal clan, he received them all 
 with open doors at his hospitable mansion, and in the habits he 
 had acquired in camps his property was expended for their 
 rehef, comfort, or entertainment, as freely as they were ready 
 on every occasion to shed their blood under his command. He 
 was now a member of the Mass. Congress. 
 
 His figure was tall and commanding, and his countenance 
 grave, ardent, and impressive as his character. With this 
 presence, and his formidable sword, he needed no uniform to 
 distinguish him as a leader. In a simple cahco frock he head- 
 ed the detachment which left camp at dark, and proceeded to 
 Charlestovvn. Col. Prescott led the way with two sergeants, 
 having dark lanterns open only to the rear, about six paces in 
 front of the troops. 
 
 Gen. Putnam, having the principal direction and superinten- 
 dence of the expedition, and the chief engineer, Col. Gridley, 
 accompanied the detachment. Putnam's eldest son was a 
 Capt. under him ; his youngest, only 16 years old, a volunteer, 
 tells us, " At sunset my father said to me, ' you will go to 
 Mrs. Inman's to-night as usual ; stay there to-morrow, and if 
 they find it necessary to leave town, you must go with them.' — 
 From this order, and attending circumstances, 1 knew there 
 was to be a military movement, in which my father would par- 
 
20 BDNKEll HILL BATTLE. 
 
 ticipate. My imagination figured him as mangled witii wounds, 
 and no one to aid him ; and I earnestly entreated permission 
 to accompany him. ' You, dear father,' I said, ' may need my 
 assistance much more than Mrs. Inman, pray let me go where 
 you are going.' ' No, no, Daniel, do as 1 have bid you,' was 
 the reply, which he affected to give sternly, while, his voice 
 faltered and his eyes filled, as if entering into my feelings, he 
 added, ' You can do little, my son, where I am going, and 
 there will be enough to take care of me.' " His son reluctant- 
 ly obeyed. 
 
 Profound mystery hung over the object of the expedition 
 till they crossed Charlestown neck and found the wagons load- 
 ed with intrenching tools, fascines, gabions, and empty 
 hogsheads. 
 
 The officers were hastening to order arms to be stacked, 
 and the fortifications commenced, when a most serious confu- 
 sion arose as to the point to be fortified. None of the heights 
 excepting Bunker's were yet distinguished by name, and this 
 was expressly designated as the one to be fortified ; though the 
 most commanding and defensible position, it was too far from 
 the enemy to annoy their army and shipping ; Breed's Hill 
 was far better adapted to the important objects of the expedi- 
 tion, and better suited the adventurous spirit of the command- 
 ing officers. Their most invaluable moments were wasted 
 without coming to a conclusion, though the wary and scientific 
 engineer again and again urged them to determine at once on 
 the ground, or it would be impossible to complete the requisite 
 fortifications.* 
 
 Breed's Hill was at length concluded on, and Gridley laid 
 out the works immediately with skill which would honor any 
 engineer in the highest advance of military science. The re- 
 doubt on the summit of the hill was about eight rods square. 
 The strongest side, or front, in form of a redan, faced Charles- 
 town, protecting the south side of the hill. The eastern side 
 commanded a very extensive field, and a breastwork ran in a 
 line with it north down to the sloui!;h : between the south end 
 
 ■' Gov. Brooks's statement. 
 
 Mass. Congiess, in the hurry of tlip times, say, Breed's Mill was taken by 
 mistake. 'I here could be no mistake. Putnam, as w'.> know from his soo 
 and Stcpiicn Codman Esq., — and Gridley, as we know from Col. lienshaw, — 
 had previously reconnoitred the ground. That Bunker Hill was ordered to be 
 fortitiod is certain from Gov. Brooks and the vote copied from the records, of 
 Cong, on onr 17tis page. Congress meant to say, delicately, the order to forti- 
 fy Bunker Hill was not complied with. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 21 
 
 of the breastwork and the redoubt was a narrow passage way 
 or sally port, protected in front by a blind, and an open passage 
 way in the north side of the redoubt. It was determined, at 
 the same time, that a work should be erected on Bunker Hill 
 as a new post and rallying point to resort to, should the enemy 
 drive thein from the first, and for the protection of the rear. 
 
 A large guard, Capt. Maxwell and his company, some Con- 
 necticut and other troops were detached to the shore of 
 Charlestown to observe every movement of the enemy.* 
 
 The works marked out, tools were distributed to the men ; 
 but midnight arrived before the first spade entered the ground. f 
 These brawny yeomen, however, were working for their lives 
 as well as their liberties, and performed prodigies of labour. 
 They were instructed and stimulated by Putnam, Prescott, and 
 other officers, among whom was Maj. Brooks, distinguished by 
 the well deserved confidence of the army. Just entered on 
 manhood, he relinquished a lucrative profession, commenced 
 his military career at the battle of Lexington, as Maj. of 
 Bridge's regiment, and received the same rank in the army. 
 He had been called home by sickness in his family, and receiv- 
 ed no order to march with his regiment ; but the danger of his 
 fellow soldiers was a sufficient summons, and he hastened to 
 join his corps, which he overtook at the neck. 
 
 It was clear starlight, and the proximity of the enemy de- 
 manded vigilant observation. Col. Prescott proceeded to the 
 shore with Maj. Brooks to reconnoitre them. Every thing was 
 quiet ; they distinctly heard the enemy relieving guard, and 
 were rejoiced at the welcome cry from the sentries, however 
 unfounded, " All's well !" 
 
 The men quietly at their labours. Gen. Putnam repaired to 
 his camp to prepare for the anticipated crisis, by bringing on 
 reinforcements, and to be fresh mounted ; his furious riding re- 
 quired a frequent change of horses. 
 
 Watchful as Argus, Prescott could hardly imagine that the 
 enemy were so neghgent of military caution, as to suffer his 
 powerful force to approach their very threshold unobserved. 
 He advanced anew to examine their situation ; again all was 
 quiet, and the guard from the shore of Charlestown was or- 
 dered in. 
 
 The blazing sun, however, began his approaches, and the 
 grey of the morning was dissipated. The veil was lifted 
 
 The countersign this night was " Domingo." 
 t Mfiss. Con,'^. 
 
22 BUNKEK HILL BATTLE. 
 
 from the astonished eyes of the British, but they would hardly 
 credit their senses on perceiving their daring enemy above 
 them, overlooking their position, witli formidable works, which 
 had sprung up as if by enchantment. The cannon of the 
 Lively opened on the Americans, and roused their country- 
 men from secure repose, to participate in the same surprise 
 and astonishment. 
 
 Gen. Gage was thunderstruck at the unwelcome information, 
 and sent an immediate summons to his officers to meet him in 
 a council of war.* 
 
 Some other frigates, floating batteries, the Somerset line of 
 battle ship, a formidable battery of the heaviest pieces, and a 
 mortar on Copps Hill, opened a tremendous fire on the Amer- 
 icans, sufficient to appal even veteran troops. 
 
 This fire was for some time without effect, but the men ven- 
 turing in front of the works, one of them was killed by a can- 
 non shot.f A subaltern informed Col. Prescott, and inquired 
 of him what should be done. " Bury him," he was told. — 
 " What," said the astonished officer, " without prayers !" A 
 chaplain, who vi^as present, insisted on performing service over 
 this first victim, and collected many of the soldiers around him, 
 heedless of peril. Prescott ordered them to disperse ; but re- 
 hgious enthusiasm prevailing, the chaplain again collected his 
 congregation, when the deceased was ordered to be taken and 
 buried in the ditch. At this time a number of the men went 
 off and never returned. 
 
 To dispel the terror which this death occasioned, Prescott 
 mounted on the works, and directed the labor. Heedless of 
 all the fire of the enemy, he was wrought up to the highest 
 pilch of enthusiasm, and transferred his own exaltation into ev- 
 ery private under him. Owing to the oppressive heat, and the 
 vehemence of his address, his bald head was exposed entirely 
 uncovered, waving his sword, he sometimes upbraided his men 
 in anger, and sometimes encouraged them with approbation and 
 humour. Perfectly understanding his countrymen, they were 
 entirely under his control ; the great Suwarrow was never more 
 negligent of his personal appearance, and never inspired his 
 faithful followers with a confidence more implicit or better de- 
 served. 
 
 Gen. Gage, reconnoitring the enemy, handed his telescope 
 to Willard, a mandamus counsellor, and inquired of him, " who 
 
 * In the old State liouse. 
 t Pollard, of Billerica. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 23 
 
 '' is that officer commanding ?" He instantly recognized Ms 
 brother-in-law, Col. Prescott. " Will he fight ?" asked Gage. 
 " Yes, sir, depend upon it, to the last drop of blood in him, 
 " but I cannot answer for his men," was the reply. 
 
 When the patriotic priest found that his professional services 
 were out of place, he bravely buckled on the armor of flesh, 
 volunteered as a soldier in the ranks, and fought with distin- 
 guished bravery.* 
 
 The sufferings of the men were great ; the heat was exces- 
 sive ; during a sleepless night they had unremittingly labored, 
 without even water, and their small stock of provisions was ex- 
 hausted. Their officers felt for them, and wished Col. Pres- 
 cott to send to Cambridge a request to be relieved. He con- 
 vened a council of war, but instantly crushed the slightest hope 
 of a relief. " The enemy would not dare attack them, and if 
 " they did would be defeated. The men who had raised the 
 " works were the best qualified to defend them. They had al- 
 " ready learned to despise the fire of the enemy. They had 
 " the merit of the labor, and should enjoy the honor of the 
 " victory." With renewed ardor the men continued their 
 labors. 
 
 Capt. Nutting with some troops was ordered into Charles- 
 town, near the ferry, by Col. Prescott, to guard against the en- 
 emy's approach on that side. 
 
 Gen. Gage met his officers in council. They did not hesi- 
 tate as to the indispensable necessity of driving the enemy from 
 their formidable position, but found it impossible to agree on the 
 mode of attack. Gen. Clinton and Gen. Grant advocated at- 
 tacking the enemy in rear. " Their men could embark at the 
 " bottom of the common in boats, land at Charlestown Neck. 
 " under protection of a fire from the floating batteries and fri- 
 " gates, and would have the enemy in their power ;" and this 
 appeared to be the prevailing opinion. But Gen. Gage would 
 not adopt a measure so adventurous. It was perhaps opposed 
 to well founded military rules and the dictates of prudence. 
 They would have exposed themselves between two armies, one 
 of them superior to their own in number, and the other strong- 
 ly posted and fortified ; they might have been attacked in front 
 and rear, and been completely surrounded indeed, without 
 the possibility of a retreat being secured to them in case ol 
 disaster. It was finally determined to land and attack the 
 enemy in front. 
 
 * Rev. Jno. Martin, see aote H. 
 
24 TjUXKLR UILL BATTLE. 
 
 At daybreak Putnam directed Lieut. Clark to send to Gen. 
 Ward for a horse. The lieut. went himself, hut the general's 
 impatience could not await an answer. On his return he found 
 him mounted and departing. The summons from the Lively had 
 frustrated his intention of carrying on the reinforcement him- 
 self ; he reminded Gen. Ward, however, that the fate of the 
 expedition depended on his being reinforced immediately, ac- 
 cording to the preconcerted plan, and flew to join his men on 
 the hill. 
 
 The result of Gage's council of war soon became apparent. 
 The enemy were observed moving with rapidity through the 
 streets of Boston ; a corps of dragoons, mancEtWring within view 
 of the Americans, suddenly galloped off their parade ground ;* 
 the rattling of artillery carriages and wagons was heard, and 
 every note of preparation for a military movement. Prescott, 
 then believing the enemy would hazard an attack, was de- 
 lighted ; " Now, my boys, we shall have a fight, and shall beat 
 " them too," he observed. Fearless himself, he thought the 
 world so too, and his conddence was too implicit in the raw 
 troops and inexperienced commanders just collecting only, and 
 hardly to be considered an army. 
 
 It was nine o'clock ; the men were exhausted from hunger, 
 thirst, fatigue, and want of sleep. Putnam had again repaired 
 to Cambridge to procure provisions and a reinforcement become 
 indispensable, but neither one nor the other had arrived. Col. 
 Prescott called another council of war ; he refused, as before, 
 to hear a word about displacing his men, but consented to send 
 again for refreshments and a reinforcement. ]\Iaj. Brooks was 
 selected to proceed to Cambridge and wait on Gen. Ward for 
 this purpose. For greater expedition he was directed to take 
 one of the artillery horses, but the order was vehemently oppo- 
 sed by Capt. Gridiey, who feared for the safety of his pieces. 
 Prescott then directed hi^i to proceed on foot, with as much 
 despatch as possible. He arrived at head quarters about 10, 
 and made known his instructions to Ward. The general hesi- 
 tated as to the policy of sending reinforcements to Charlestown, 
 and doubted whether the intention of the enemy was to make 
 his attack on that point. The scanty depots of ammunition, 
 ordnance stores, and materiel of every species belonging to 
 the army, on which the salvation of the country depended, 
 were at Cambridge and Watertovvn, and he presumed the ene- 
 
 The scitc of llie picscnt Hospital. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 25 
 
 my designed to seize the present opportunity to make an attack 
 at head quarters and gain possession of these stores. 
 
 The Committee of Safety were sitting at the same house* in 
 which the general quartered, and he communicated to 
 them the information and request brought by Maj. Brooks. — 
 Richard Devens,f of Charlestown, was one of the committee ; 
 from deep anxiety for the success of the expedition and the 
 protection of his native town from tlie inroad of the enemy, his 
 importunity with the general and the committee for an ample 
 reinforcement was impassioned and vehement, and his opinion 
 partially prevailed ; the committee recommended a reinforce- 
 ment, and the - general consented that orders should be des- 
 patched immediately to Cols. Reed and Stark, at Medford, to 
 join Prescott's detachment with the New Hampshire troops. 
 
 Gen. Warren, Chairman of the Committee of Safety, was 
 present. The day before he had officiated as President of 
 Congress at Watertovvn, and had passed the night there in the 
 accumulated concerns of the public. His friend, Hon. Elbridge 
 Gerry, having learned the determination to occupy and fortify 
 Bunker Hill, remonstrated with him against the glaring impru- 
 dence of the enterprize, with our feeble resources. " We had 
 " not powder sufficient to maintain the desperate conflict which 
 " must ensue, and should all be cut to pieces." Warren con- 
 fessed he entertained the same opinion ; but it was determined 
 otherwise, and he was resolved to share the fate of his coun- 
 trymen. His friend conjured him not to expose his invalua- 
 ble life where his destruction would be useless and inevitable. 
 " I know it," said the hero, " but I live within sound of the 
 " cannon, and should die were I to remain at home while my 
 " fellow citizens are shedding their blood for me." " As 
 " sure as you go, you will be slain," repeated Gerry. Warren's 
 final answer was, " Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori."J He 
 arrived at Cambridge by daylight, sick with nervous headache, 
 and threw himself on the bed. On receiving information that 
 the enemy were coming out. Ward sent to notify him. He 
 arose immediately, declared " his headache was gone," and 
 after meeting with the Committee of Safety, mounted his horse, 
 and with his fusil and sword repaired to the post of danger. 
 
 At eleven, the New Hampshire troops received orders from 
 Cambridge ; but not being provided with ammunition, were quite 
 
 * Now Dr. Holmes's house. 
 
 t Devens, afterward commisEary general, mounted an officer's horse, and 
 used his pistols to press teams to carry on provisions. Init tht- British cannon 
 prevented their arriving. 
 
 t Senior Pres. Adams. 
 4 
 
26 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 unprepared to obey them. Every man was immediately sup- 
 plied with two flints, and a gill of powder with fifteen balls to form 
 into cartridges, but nearly all of them were destitute of car- 
 tricfge boxes, employing powder-horns only ; and scarcely any 
 two of their guns agreeing in calibre, they were obliged to ham- 
 mer their balls to a proper size for the pieces. The companies 
 posted at Chelsea, were inunediately recalled. 
 
 About noon, at the long wharf in Boston, twenty eight barges 
 were filled with the principal part of the first detachment of 
 British troops, consisting of the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d battal- 
 ions of infantry, ten companies of grenadiers, and ten of Lt. In- 
 fantry. Some of these troops were taken from the transports, 
 and were to land now for the first time since their voyage, not 
 like Antaeus to gather new strength from the earth, but to shed 
 their life's blood on her bosom. The barges formed in two 
 parallel lines of single files, six resplendent pieces of cannon, 
 and howitzers in the bows of the leading boats, with the gor- 
 geous uniform, and brilliant armour of the troops, throwing 
 back the splendour of the sun, as if in rivalry : they move in 
 exact time and perfect order, and about one, land at Morton's 
 point ; the novel and alarming spectacle filling the. Americans 
 with dismay. 
 
 Immediately on landing they discovered a disastrous mis- 
 take, most of the cannon balls sent over, were too large for 
 the pieces ; they were immediately sent back, and a new supply 
 obtained. At the same time. Gen. Howe, the commander, dis- 
 covering on his near approach the formidable nature of the en- 
 emy's position, their present numbers and the troops marching 
 on, requested a reinforcement of Gen. Gage. These first troops, 
 while waiting for the remainder of the detachment, were entirely 
 unmolested, and very quietly dined, most of them for the last time, 
 from their crowded and cumbrous knapsacks. About two, the 
 remainder of the forces leave Winnisimit ferry, in the same for- 
 midable array of barges, and land at Morton's Point ; and soon 
 afterward the reinforcements, a few companies of grenadiers and 
 light infantr)-, the forty seventh battalion, a battahon of marines, 
 except a few of this corps who were preparing to embark, land 
 under the eastern end of Breed's Hill, at Madlin's shipyard, the 
 present uavyyard. All these troops cannot be estimated at less 
 than five thousand ; if the corps were but half full, there were 
 four thousand three hundred and fifty. While the enemy were 
 landing, Putnam ordered Capt. Knowlton, with the Connecti- 
 cut troops, to take post behind a rail fence, which ran across the 
 tongue of land, from Mystic river to the road, about two hun- 
 dred and fifty yards. In front of this line of fence, were some 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 2* 
 
 apple-trees, and a few also in the rear. These troops pulled 
 up the neighbouring fences, and placing them near the one at 
 which they were posted, threw in the new mown grass between. 
 A small part of this fence, had stones under the rails, to the 
 height of two feet ; the whole formed only the shadow of a 
 protection. This rail fence was 190 yards in rear of the breast- 
 work, and 80 yards in rear of the slough, leaving a very exten- 
 sive opening between the breastwork and rail fence, by which 
 tlie left flank of the troops at the breastwork was exposed to 
 the enemy's fire, and about 100 yards between the slough and 
 rail fence, open to the advance of infantry ; the only defence 
 being a few standing trees, stones, or whatever could be found 
 on the spot. This was the key of the American position. 
 
 The detachments in Charlestown were now recalled by Pres- 
 cott, and took post at a cart way, which ran from the road to 
 the southeastern angle of the redoubt. They placed the fences 
 together, and threw in grass, as was done on the left. 
 
 The thundering cannonade of the enemy soon spread the in- 
 formation of an approaching engagement. The Americans in 
 the neighbourhood flocked to the scene, and the soldiers volun- 
 tarily ran to arms, and entreated to be led against the foe; 
 Col. Little's regiment had lately arrived from Essex and the 
 officers were not commissioned ; without awaiting orders, they 
 left their quarters in Menotomy and Cambridge, marched to 
 Gen. Ward and tendered their services. The Connecticut 
 troops were equally anxious to join their general ; they were 
 all under arms, and sent to head quarters for orders. But 
 Ward informed them, they had already the post of honor, as 
 the British were expected to land near Inman's farm, their pres- 
 ent position. The brave New Hampshire troops, at the same 
 post, under Col. Sargent, were also as earnest to be led against 
 the enemy, and the Col. sent the most pressing requests to 
 Ward for permission to conduct them on. 
 
 Capt. Callender with his artillery company was ordered to 
 the Hill, and, for greater caution, Gardner's Regiment was 
 marched to Patterson's station, at the opening of the road to 
 Lechmere Point, there to wait further orders. Doolittle's Re- 
 giment had been stationed on the Charlestown road the night 
 before, and was a httle in advance of them. 
 
 Prescott had stretched the endurance and exertions of his 
 detachment to the utmost of the human constitution. They 
 had thrown up a defence good against muskets, and most of it 
 against artillery. But the commanding summit of Bunker 
 Hill, of vital importance in rase of a retreat, was not yet fortifi- 
 
28 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 ed, though Puinain, morlified at the neglect of a position on 
 which his success and reputation depended, had been incessant 
 and unwearied in his eflbrts to have it accomphshed ; but in 
 vain, as no reinforcements arrived. At length he ordered oft" 
 a large detachment from the Redoubt with tlie intrenching tools 
 to break ground there. From experience, under the most dis- 
 tinguished masters of the day, he perfectly comprehended the 
 importance of intrenching, seemed to have seized intuitively the 
 learned maxims of Ccesar, and to anticipate the result of such 
 modern defences as Jackson's. Most of the detachment, or- 
 dered off with the tools, never returned to the lines. 
 
 Putnam, on perceiving the preparations of the enemy for an 
 attack, again hastened to Cambridge for reinforcements, and 
 had to pass through a gaUing enfilading fire of round, bar, and 
 chain shot, which thundered across the neck from the Glasgow 
 frigate in the channel of Charles River, and two floating batte- 
 ries hauled close to the shore. He learned from Gen. Ward 
 the orders which had been sent to the New Hampshire troops 
 at Medford, and immediately returned to his post. 
 
 At last, the New Hampshire troops arrived ; it was the poli- 
 cy of Stark to march his men slowly, observing, that " one 
 " fresh man in battle is better than ten fatigued ones." Put- 
 nam reserved a part of this force to throw up the work on 
 Bunker Hill, and ordered the remainder to press on to the lines 
 as quick as possible, and join the Connecticut troops at the rail 
 fence. Stark encouraged them by a short, spirited address, 
 ordered three cheers to animate them, and they moved on rap- 
 idly to the line. 
 
 The intention of the enemy being now clearly pronounced 
 by their landing in Charlestown, Gen. Ward, reserving still his 
 own regiment, Putnam's, Sargent's, Patterson's, Gardner's and 
 part of Bridge's, from his excessive caution lest an attack 
 should be made at Cambridge, despatched the remainder of 
 the troops* as a reinforcement to Charlestown. The enemy 
 directed a schooner, with 5 or GOO men on board, to the Cam- 
 bridge shore, as if aware of this tender point ; but the wind and 
 tide proving unfavorable to this landing, they returned. f 
 
 Near five thousand British troops had now landed, under the 
 immediate command of Gen. Howe, distinguished, like all his 
 
 * Gen. Ward had a hoeshcad of rum boforc his quarters, which was served 
 to the sohliers before lliey loft the common. By a resolve of Mass. Congress, 
 spirit could be allowed the men by a Gc ii. ofrictr only, and on cstraordinary 
 occasions. 
 
 t Col. P. D. Sargent 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 29 
 
 family, for undaunted bravery. Under him were Gen. Pigot, 
 Cols. Nesbit, Abercronibie, Clarke ; Majors Butler, Williams, 
 Bruce, Spendlove, Smelt, Mitchell, Pitcairn, Short, Small and 
 Lord Rawdon, all officers of renown. The troops were in col- 
 umns, waiting the signal to advance. They and the enemy op- 
 posed to them, were in a vast amphitheatre of nature, formed 
 by those lofty hills which rise from Boston bay and surround- 
 ed them. These towering heights overlooked both armies, and 
 were covered by Americans, who had been brought from a dis- 
 tance, by their anxious curiosity, to witness a scene so sublime, 
 and learn the event of a contest, on which the fate of a new 
 world depended ; and many of them from a deeper interest in 
 the fate of a parent, a brother or husband engaged. The 
 heights and the steeples in Boston were crowded in the same 
 manner, by the inhabitants and the British military ; and many 
 a soldier's wife witnessed the events, with a melancholy fore- 
 boding that she was left a widow, and her home three thousand 
 miles across the ocean. The prospect was rendered still more 
 terrific by a tremendous cannonade and bombardment from 
 Boston, which opened on the camp at Roxbury to contain the 
 Americans at their post, who were there under arms. This. 
 added to the continued roar of the batteries ^.nd shipping on 
 the side of Charlestown, and the battle was commencing. 
 The whole formed a scene beyond the reach of the human im- 
 agination. 
 
 The British artillery on Morton's Hill opened on the Amer- 
 icans ; Col. Prescott ordered the men to keep under cover oi 
 the works, but Lieut. Spaulding standing by his side, had hi> 
 head completely shattered by a ball. Gridley's pieces which 
 had fired a few useless shot from the redoubt against Copps 
 Hill and the shipping, were now ordered out ; there were no 
 embrasures, and the slight platform was broken. They were 
 carried with Callender's to the space between the breastwork 
 and rail fence, and returned the fire of the British, which serv- 
 ed at least the important purpose of keeping the enemy in 
 respect, who secured themselves under the eastern side of 
 Morton's Hill^, The artillery companies were just enlisted from 
 the infantry, and grossly ignorant of their duty ; this arm re- 
 quires science, experience, and knowledge of position. The 
 officers complained that their cartridges were unsuitable for the 
 pieces ; Gridley drew off his to the rear, one of them being al- 
 ready disabled in the unequal contest with the British batte- 
 ries and field pieces ; and Callendcr was marching off over 
 Bunker Hill to a secure place for preparing his ammunition in 
 
30 JJUNKER HILJL. iiATTLi;, 
 
 safety, when Putnam met him and was fired v\ith indignation 
 at this appearance of a retreat. He ordered him instantly to 
 his post ; Callender remonstrated, but Putnam threatened him 
 with instant death if he hesitated, and compelled him to return. 
 His men, however, were disgusted with a part of the service 
 they did not understand ; most of them had muskets, and min- 
 gled with the infantry ; the pieces were entirely deserted and 
 left on Bunker Hill, from which position they were fired a few 
 times on the enemy. 
 
 Col. Little arrived with his troops ; Putnam ordered them 
 to their posts, Captain Warner's company to the rail fence on 
 the right of the redoubt. Captain Perkins' to the exposed po- 
 sition between the breastwork and rail fence on the left, the re- 
 mainder found their places in the line. Col. Jonathan Brewer, 
 who had been a ranger in the French war ; Col. Nixon, 
 who had served in the same war ; Col. Woodbridgc ; and 
 Maj. Moore of Doolittle's Regiment, the Col. and Lieut- 
 Col, being absent, — brought on their troops, each about 300 
 men. Col. Woodbridge sent a detachment off to the right, in 
 the main street of Charlestown, and carried orders to Maj. 
 Moore to do the same, who accordingly sent one under 
 Capt. Wheeler. Col. Reed sent a detachment also, under 
 Capt. Crosby. 
 
 Col. Scamnians, with a large Regiment from Maine,* was 
 ordered by Gen. Ward to go where the fighting was ;f he ac- 
 cordingly marched to Lechmere point, understanding from 
 some one on the Charlestown road that the enemy were land- 
 ing there. On his arrival, he was undeceived by Gen. Whit- 
 comb, who advised him to march to the Hill. From an egre- 
 gious error, or deficiency of spirit, he went to Cobble Hill in- 
 stead of Breed's, and took post in that perfectly useless po- 
 sition. J 
 
 The veteran Gen. Pomeroy heard the pealing artillery, 
 which seemed to invite him to battle ; he was a soldier too 
 brave, and a patriot too ardent, to resist a summons so agree- 
 able. He requested a horse of Gen. Ward, to carry him to 
 the field ; delighted at an aid so important, one y/as instantly 
 supplied. With his musket, he repaired immediately to the 
 
 * Whom he called " Yorkshire IJoys." He came from Saco, but, before 
 this, had belonged to Haverhill. 
 
 t Jer. Hill, Esq. of Saco, heard the order. 
 
 X Lieut. Morgan r.:'wis belonged to this Rcgt. since then a Gen. of the array 
 ia the late war, and (iov. of the State of New York. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 31 
 
 neck ; inquiring of a sentry posted there, and viewing the 
 ground and the tremendous fire across, he was alarmed, not 
 for himself but for the horse he had borrowed ; he delivered 
 him to a sentinel, and coolly marched across. He advanced to 
 the rail fence, his approach gave new confidence to the men ; 
 they received him with the highest exultation, and the name of 
 Pomeroy rang through the line. In early life he had been an 
 ingenious mechanic, and many a soldier was supplied with 
 arms of his manufacture. Had Vulcan supplied the Gre- 
 cians with armor, and appeared in their ranks, they could not 
 have been more certain of victory. 
 
 The British now formed their columns, with their field train 
 in centre, ready to advance on the American line. 
 
 Capt. Ford arrived with his company. He served under the 
 veteran Lieut. Col. Parker and Maj. Brooks, had learned the 
 duties of a soldier, and signalized himself in Lexington battle 
 by killing five of the enemy. He was proceeding down Bun- 
 ker Hill, when Putnam met him and was delighted with an aid 
 so opportune ; Callender's deserted cannon were on the hill, 
 and he ordered Capt. Ford with his company to draw them' 
 to the line. The captain remonstrated that " his men were 
 " entirely ignorant of the discipline and management of artil- 
 " lery." But the general persisting in his order, he obeyed ; 
 his company moved with the cannon, accompanied by the gen- 
 eral himself, to the rail fence. 
 
 Putnam was now joined by Warren, to whom he observed, 
 " Pm sorry to see you here, Gen. Warren. 1 wish you had 
 " left the day to us, as 1 advised you, from appearances we 
 " shall have a sharp time of it ; but since you are here, Pll 
 " receive your orders with pleasure." Warren replied : " I 
 " came only as a volunteer ; I know nothing of your disposi- 
 " tions, and will not interfere with them ; tell me where 1 can 
 " be most useful," Putnam, intent on his safety, directed him 
 to the redoubt, observing, " you will be covered there." — 
 " Don't think," said Warren, " I come here to seek a place of 
 " safety ; but tell me where the onset will be most furious." — 
 Putnam again pointed to the redoubt ; " that," said he, " is the 
 " enemy's object, Prescott is there, and will do his duty, and 
 " if itcanbe defended, the day is ours ; but, from long experience 
 " of the character of the enemy, I think they will ultimately 
 " succeed and drive us from the works, though, from the 
 " mode of attack they have chosen, we shall be able to do them 
 " infinite injury, and we must be prepared for a brave and or- 
 " derly retreat when we can maintain our ground no longer." 
 
32 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 Warren assented to his opinions, and, promising to be governed 
 by them, went to the redoubt. The soldiers received him with 
 loud hurras. Prescott ofiered him the command ; but he had 
 not yet received his commission, and tendered his services to 
 the Col. as a volunteer, observing, " He was happy to learn 
 " service from a soldier of experience."* 
 
 The field-pieces of the enemy opened furiouslyf on the 
 works, the signal for their army to move. Their columns ad- 
 vanced slowly, aud halted at intervals, to give the artillery an 
 opportunity to render a passage over the works practicable.^ 
 Howe, remarkably tall, and a prominent mark, advanced two 
 hundred yards in front of the troops to reconnoitre. || 
 
 The American drums beat to arms. Putnam left his works, 
 commenced on Bunker Hill, and led the troops into action. 
 The tune of the Americans at Bunker Hill was Yankee Doodle, 
 it was now first employed by them, but was to become 
 their favourite national air, and the far-famed harbinger of vic- 
 tory on the land, the lake, and the ocean. J 
 
 Capt. Walker,§ one of the bravest of the brave, beat up for 
 volunteers to accompany him down into Charlestown to hang 
 on the left flank of the enemy. He had been detailed for 
 guard duty the day before, and his company had been sent on 
 without him under the Lieut. The picket guard, of which he 
 was the commander, had not been reheved on the day of the 
 battle, and he could not brook the misfortune of being drawn 
 for a place of safety, when his country required his services in 
 the place of death. He made use of the most earnest persua- 
 sions with his Lieut, by repeated messengers, to exchange pla- 
 ces with him, till at length he succeeded. He now collected 
 about 50 kindred spirits, whom he led down as a forlorn hope 
 on the enemy's left, and gave them five or six rounds with the 
 most deadly execution. But the little desperate band were 
 soon driven in with severe loss. The Capt. however escaped, 
 and was determined to tempt fate again by another daring at- 
 tack on the opposite flank of the enemy. He had the sagacity 
 to discover the danger of their turning our left, by the shore of 
 the Mystic, and changed his attack to that quarter ; but was 
 wounded and taken prisoner with Frost, one of his company, 
 
 * This conversation we liavre from Col. Putnam, and most of it likewiie 
 from Dr. Jeffries, to whom it was related by Lieut. Col. Parker, dressed by 
 him at the redoubt, the next day, on a fascine. 
 
 t Sfedman, Marshall, Gage, and all authorities. 
 
 t NoteK. jl Dr. .leflVies. § Of Chelmsford. 
 
BUNKEK HILL BATTLE. 33 
 
 who was very badly wounded at the same time. They were 
 carried to Boston jail, where the Capt. died of his wounds ; 
 but Frost has escaped through all his perils, and yet lives to 
 tell us.^ 
 
 The British right wing, consisting of the fifth regiment, one 
 of grenadiers, and another of light infantry, mov^e under cover 
 of the tongue of land, at the foot of it display, and advance in 
 front toward the rail fence ; excepting nine of the light companies, 
 who move by the right flank on the shore of the l\lystic to turn 
 the American left. This attack was led by Gen. Howe.f 
 
 The left wing, composed of the fifty-second regiment, thirty- 
 eighth, thirty-fifth, forty-seventh, three grenadier and three 
 light companies, and the marines, under cover of Breed's Hill, 
 display, and are led by Gen. Pigot against the redoubt and 
 breastwork. 
 
 On a sudden, as they were advancing, the fire from their ar- 
 tillery ceased ; Howe sent to inquire into the cause of this ill- 
 timed remission, and learned, that owing to a fatal blunder, the 
 cannon-balls sent over, were too large for the pieces ; but that 
 they had grape-shot ; and he ordered them forward to maintain 
 their fire with grape. J 
 
 The British lines soon opened to view, and the American 
 marksmen are with difficulty restrained from firing. Putnam 
 rode through the line, and ordered that no one should fire till 
 they arrived within eight rods, nor any one till commanded- 
 " Powder was scarce and must not be wasted. They should 
 " not fire at the enemy till they saw the whites of their eyes, 
 " and then fire low, take aim at their waistbands. They were 
 " all marksmen, and could kill a squirrel at a hundred yards ; 
 " reserve their fire, and the enemy were all destroyed. Aim 
 " at the handsome coats, pick ofi:' the commanders." The 
 same orders were reiterated by Prescott at the redoubt, by 
 Pomeroy, Stark, and all the veteran officers. 
 
 •■ Col. James Vanmai, now of Draciitt, a scrje^'it in Coburu's company, was 
 one of llie volunteers with Walker qu his fiist attiicU, and had tlie top of his 
 Jiat sliot ofl", and two bullets throii?,li his jacket. Sec Note L. 
 
 f De Berniere, CoiuUirtof the War hy Hone, nncJ n\\ authoritie'i. 
 
 At this time, ill front of the cannon, the air was filicd with innumerable swal- 
 lows. Another si^ht at this time was most tantalizing to the parched lips ol 
 the Americans— the enemy wcie supplied with !;i;ge tubs of drink to prepartv 
 them for the onset. 
 
 : Condnct of (he War. by Howe. p. i:]. 
 
J4 JBUNKEK UILL BATTLE. 
 
 Putnam now, with the assistance of Captain Ford's compa- 
 ny, opened his artillery upon them. He had on this day per- 
 formed every species of service, and now turned cannonier, 
 with splendid success, and to the highest satisfaction of his 
 countrymen. Each company of artillery had but twelve car- 
 tridges, and these were soon expended. He pointed the can- 
 non himself, the balls took effect on the enemy, and one case 
 of canister made a lane through them. As in Milton's battle, 
 
 " Foul dissipation followed and forced rout." 
 
 With wonderful courage, however, the enemy closed their ranks, 
 and coolly marched on to the attack. 
 
 The enemy were within gunshot of the redoubt ; a few of 
 the sharp shooters could not resist the temptation and fired. — 
 Prescott was indignant at this contempt of his orders ; waving 
 his sword, he swore instant death against the first who should 
 disobey ; appealed to their well-known confidence in him, and 
 promised to give them orders at the proper moment. His Lt. 
 Col. Robinson, who, with Col. Buttrick, had gallantly led the 
 troops at Concord, ran round the top of the parapet, and threw 
 up the muskets. 
 
 The enemy now at eight rods distance only, the deadly 
 muskets were levelled. Prescott commanded his men to take 
 good aim, be sure of their mark, and fire. He was effectually 
 obeyed. Nearly the whole front rank was swept away, and 
 many a gallant officer laid low. 
 
 As the cloud of smoke passed away, the ground was seen 
 covered with dead, and the wounded and dying exerting their last, 
 feeble remains of strength to crawl out of the line, many on 
 their hands and knees, to save themselves. The enemy, how- 
 ever, were countrymen of those who gave the fire, and received 
 it with the same cool courage with which it was given. Rank 
 succeeded rank, and returned the fire, but the odds was fear- 
 ful ; the Americans were well protected by the works ; the ef- 
 forts and courage of the enemy were in vain, and with surly 
 reluctance they were at last compelled to retreat, as they were 
 commanded to do by Gen. Pigot himself.* 
 
 Warren animated and encouraged the men, and with the 
 rest of the officers, set them an example with his musket ; there 
 was scarcely an officer of any rank, excepting Putnam and 
 Prescott, without one. 
 
 * Conduct of the War by Gen. Howe, p. 13. 
 
BUNKKR HILL BATTLE. 35 
 
 The British right wing arrived, about the time of this attack 
 on the redoubt to within one hundred yards of the Americans. 
 They were throwing down a fence,* when a few marksmen 
 fired on them. Putnam was enraged at this disobedience of 
 an order on which the salvation of the army depended ; he 
 rode to the spot, with his drawn sword threatening to cut down 
 the first who dared to fire again without orders. The dis- 
 charge from these few muskets, however, drew the fire from- 
 the enemy's hne,f which continued moving on, and when about 
 eight rods from the fence, the fatal order was given ; the fire of 
 the Americans mowed them down, with the same terrible 
 severity, as at the redoubt, the officers especially fell victims to 
 their deadly aim. 
 
 During this tremendous fire of musketry and roar of cannon, 
 McCIary's gigantic voice was distinctly heard, animating and 
 encouraging the men as though he would inspire every ball 
 tliat sped, with his own fire and energy. 
 
 The British fired their heaviest voUies of musketry with ad- 
 mirable coolness and regularity, but without aim, at the Ameri- 
 cans, and almost every ball passed harmless over them. Their 
 artillery had stopped in the marsh near the brick kilns,J and 
 produced little effect. This wing of the army having covered 
 the ground with their dead, were at length compelled to retreat ; 
 and the hurra of victory re-echoed through the American line. 
 So thorough was the defeat of the enemy, that many of them re- 
 paired to their boats. Fortunately for the Americans, the ene- 
 my neglected to charge with the bayonet ; if, instead of display- 
 ing and firing, they had filled the intervals between their col- 
 umns with light troops to keep the Americans under the works 
 by an incessant, fire and rushed on at the charge, they must 
 have secured an easy victory, especially as the Americans al- 
 most to a man were destitute of the bayonet. 
 
 General Ward had by this time despatched reinforcements 
 from Cambridge, but many of them did not reach the field. 
 The fire across the neck wore an aspect too terrific for raw 
 troops to venture in it. Putnam flew to the spot to overcome 
 their fears and hurry them or^ before the enemy returned. He 
 
 * The fences were a formidable obstacle to the enemy's advance, a very 
 great portion of the housekeepers in Charlestown having separate pastures 
 here. 
 
 t Dr. Dexter. 
 
 t These were numerous, for the sake of employing- the poor of Boston and 
 Charlestown, and doubtless prevented the acivance of the cannon. 
 
36 liUNKEH HILL BATTLt. 
 
 entreated, encouraged, and threatened them ; lashing his horse 
 with the flat of his s'.vord, he rode backwards and forward 
 across the neck, tlie balls threw up clouds of dust about him, 
 and the soldiers were perfectly convinced that he was in- 
 \'ulnerable, but were not equally conscious of being so them- 
 selves.* Some of these troops, however, ventured over. 
 
 The battalion of artillery under Maj. Gridley had proceeded 
 but a few hundred yards down the road to Charlestown when 
 they were halted, and this officer determined not to proceed 
 to the hill, but wait and cover the retreat, which he considered 
 inevitable. He was young, inexperienced, and totally inade- 
 quate to the important command which had been conferred on 
 him in compliment to his father, Col. Gridley. He was con- 
 founded with the dangers and difficulties of his situation, and 
 never recovered his self possession during the day. With his 
 two famous brass pieces, which alone had horses attached to 
 them, he advanced farther down the road. While the artillery 
 was halted in this situation. Col. Frye, (who was absent from, 
 his regiment on duty the day before, but the battle approaching, 
 had found his way to the field,) riding from Charlestown gallop- 
 ed up to them, and demanded of the senior captain, f " why 
 this unseasonable halt !" He was astonished at the reply, and 
 ordered them instantly to the field. This veteran also animated 
 their courage by the glorious recollection " this day thirty 
 " years since, 1 was at the taking of Louisbourg when it was 
 " surrendered to us ; it is a fortunate day for America, we 
 " shall certainly beat the enemy." 
 
 The artillery proceeded. Gridley joined them ', but his 
 aversion to entering into the engagement was invincible, and he 
 ordered them on to Cobble Hill to fire at the Glasgow and 
 floating batteries. The order was so palpably absurd, with 
 their three pounders, that Capt. Trevett absolutely refused obe- 
 dience, ordered his men to follow him, and marched for the 
 hnes. Gridley was sensible his artillery would be hazarded 
 without infantry to cover them. Col. Mansfield had been 
 ordered with his regiment to reinforce the troops at Charles- 
 town, but being peremptorily commanded by Gridley, whom 
 he considered high military authority, to cover his pieces, he 
 complied in violation of his orders. 
 
 * The principal fact lieie is proved by the deposition of Mr. Samuel Bas- 
 lett ; the other circumstances by oral testimony. 
 
 t Capt. Trevett, from whom we have this account. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 37 
 
 Putnam left the neck for Bunker Hill, to bring up the rein- 
 forcements. He there found Col. Gerrish with part of his reg- 
 iment and other scattered troops. Gerrish had been a captain 
 in the provincial army of '56, and was unwieldy from excessive 
 corpulence ; the fatigue from his oppressive march, and active 
 exertions to carry on his troops, was too great for the faintness of 
 his military ardour to overcome ; he declared that he was 
 completely exhausted, and lay prostrate on the ground. The 
 men were disorganized and dispersed on the west side of the 
 hill, and covered by the summit from the fire. Putnam order- 
 ed them on to the lines ; he entreated and threatened them, and 
 some of the most cowardly he knocked down with his sword, 
 but all in vain. The men complained they had not their offi- 
 cers ; he offered to lead them on himself, but " the cannon 
 " were deserted and they stood no chance without them." 
 The battle indeed appeared here in all its horrors, the Brit- 
 ish musketry fired high and took effect on this elevated hill, it 
 was completely exposed to the combined fire from their ships, 
 batteries, and field pieces, and their attention was forcibly at- 
 tracted to it from a strong apprehension of its being fortified. 
 
 The British General had now ralUed and reorganized his 
 heroic troops, who with undaunted bravery and firm unwaver- 
 ing step appeared again before the murderous lines which had 
 already compelled them to retreat. They had nearly the same 
 obstacles to overcome as before, their cumbrous knapsacks 
 arms and accoutrements of 1251b weight,* tall unmown grass, and 
 the sun blazing in front of them, they had to contend against, 
 as well as an enemy their equals. One new obstacle, they had 
 to pass, the dead bodies of their fellow-soldiers, which covered 
 the ground ; but this served rather to stimulate them to still 
 more daring efforts to revenge their fall, and some of them, 
 with terrible desperation, piled up these dead bodies into a 
 horrid breastwork to fire from.f 
 
 Maj. Small, who had been sent to Boston for the purpose, 
 returned with the last of the reinforcements, a few companies 
 of the Marines, and was accompanied by an eminent surgeon 
 Doct. Jeffries. 
 
 The Americans were now more confident and perfect than 
 before in a manoeuvre which had been crowned with success. 
 It was indeed perfectly simple, but equally fatal to the foe. 
 
 * Steel man. 
 
 t This fact is unquestionable ; we have it fiom a rr.ost respectable eye wit- 
 iiessj Mr. Smith, of Salem. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 They received orders to reserve their fire till the enemy ap- 
 proached still nearer than before. At six rods only they were 
 permitted to return the fire. The British artillery approached 
 by the narrow road between the tongue of land and Breed's 
 Hill, within three hundred yards of the rail fence,* and almost 
 in a line with the redoubt, and opened on the lines to prepare a 
 way for their infantry. 
 
 To add new horrors to the scene, vast columns of smoke 
 were now observed over Charlestown, and passed to the north 
 over the American fines. f General Howe on his first advance 
 had sent word to General Burgoyne and General Clinton ou 
 Copps Hill, that his left flank was annoyed by musketry from 
 Charlestown, and desired them to burn it down. A carcass 
 was fired, but fell short near the ferry way ; a second fell in the 
 street, and the town was on fire. The conflagration was com- 
 pleted by a detachment of men who landed froni the Somerset. 
 The whole town was combustible. The flames ascended to 
 heaven on the lofty spire of the church, and resembled the 
 eruptions of a vast volcano in solemn grandeur and sublimity. 
 The advance of the enemy, however, was not obscured by the 
 smoke from Charlestown ; they were in full view of the Amer- 
 icans, who suffered them to approach still nearer than before. 
 They soon commenced a regular and tremendous volley by 
 platoons, and their fire became general. But unfortunate- 
 ly for them, though perfect in drill discipline, and regular move- 
 ments of parade, they were as grossly deficient in what was a 
 thousand times more important, a knowledge of their weapons. 
 Their aim was too elevated, and the enemy w'ere hidden be- 
 hind the works. Some of their balls however took effect, and 
 a number of the privates fell victims. Col. Brewer was wound- 
 ed, and Col. Nixon very badly wounded, and carried off. Lt. 
 Col. Buckminster was crippled for life by a ball through the 
 shoulder, and the brave Maj. Moore received a ball through his 
 thigh, and as he was carried to the rear by his men, another 
 ball through the body which proved mortal ; faint from loss 
 of blood, and with the terrible death thirst upon him, which 
 is ever the consequence, not a drop of water even could be 
 found for him nearer than Charlestown neck, to which place 
 two of his youngest men were immediately despatched. 
 
 The Americans were at length permitted to throw in their 
 murderous blaze of fire on the foe, it fell on them like lightning, 
 
 * Stedman's map and others, 
 t r.fn. Winslow, Capt. BuUarfl. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 39 
 
 prostrating whole ranks of them, officers and men, in promis- 
 cuous heaps. The British bore the fatal fire with astonishing 
 fortitude, but it could be withstood by man but a few moments 
 only, their most daring efforts were in vain against the insuper- 
 able difficulties they encountered.* Nearly a thousand of their 
 number had fallen, with an incredible proportion of the bravest 
 officers. 
 
 The undaunted Howe still led on his men in the hottest of 
 the battle. His aid de camp Balfour's hfe was saved only by 
 the ball which passed through him, being slightly diverted by his 
 canteen. His volunteer aid, Gordon, and Capt. Addison, a 
 descendant from the author of the Spectator, were slain, and 
 almost every other officer of his staff or near him was shot. 
 Mortified and indignant at so much blood wasted in vain, he 
 seemed to court an honourable death to hide him from the dis- 
 grace of a second defeat by an enemy he despised as peasants 
 and rebels. But his life seemed charmed, and he was compell- 
 ed to follow his army, who again retreated, and yielded their ene- 
 my a second time the joys of victory. 
 
 The gallant Maj. Small was left standing alone, every one 
 shot down about him. The never-erring muskets were levelled 
 at him, and a soldier's fate was his inevitable destiny, when 
 Putnam at the instant appeared. Each recognized in the other 
 an old friend and fellow soldier ; the tie was sacred ; Putnam 
 threw up the deadly muskets with his sword, and arrested his 
 fate. He begged his men to spare that officer, as dear to him 
 as a brother. The general's humane and chivalrous generosity 
 excited in- them new admiration, and his friend retired unhurt. 
 
 Col. Little in the redoubt was covered with blood from one 
 of his menf shot by his side. 
 
 The exultation of the Americans was glorious and well de- 
 served, but alas, short lived. They had leisure to realize the 
 entire hopelessness of their situation. Their ammunition was 
 expended, and they were as destitute of every offensive weapon 
 
 * The history of this reserved close fire is remarkable, it was employed by 
 Gen. Wolfe, and probably taught the Americans by liis proviucial officers. De 
 Berniere, sent by Gage to reconnoitre the country in the spring of 75, satiri- 
 cally describes the earnestness with which it was enjoined on the Yankees. It 
 has ever since been their favourite and successful mode of fighting by sea and 
 land. De Berniere says, " at Framingham a conspaoy of militia came and 
 exercised under our windows, one of their commanders spoke a very el quent 
 speech, recommending patience, coolness, and bravery, (which indeed they 
 much wanted) particularly recommended to them to chars^e vi> cooUy. (ind 
 wait for our fire, and every Ihiv^ ivoidd succeed" 
 
 t §tory of Ipswich 
 
^0 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 as the naked savages, their predecessors. Prescott found a 
 few artillery cartridges, which he distributed to his men, and 
 they determined to show a resolute front to the enemy, to club 
 their muskets, and even employ the stones thrown up with the 
 parapet against them. Their onl)^ hope, however, was from a 
 want of fortitude in the foe, who had already twice proved any 
 such expectation absolutely groundless. 
 
 Ward was without staff officers to bear his commands, ex- 
 cepting one aid and a secretary, who were the whole day on 
 full speed between Breed's Hill and head quarters. Loss and 
 neglect of orders were the inevitable consequence. Gardner's 
 regiment and others who had been left between Cambridge and 
 Charlestown, to wait further orders, were overlooked. The 
 battle was raging, and no orders arrived. The colonel was a 
 gentleman of rank, had been a member of the legislature, and 
 commanded a regiment of mihtia, which, marching to Lexington 
 to join in the engagement there, suddenly opened on the British 
 artillery ; being entirely void of cover they dispersed. His 
 gallant soul felt their conduct as a stigma on himself, and he 
 resolved on the earliest opportunity to wipe the spot from his 
 escutcheon. A glorious opportunity was before him, and he 
 panted to embrace it — to reap the honour of victory, or death 
 and lasting fame. The latter fate was decreed him. He called 
 his officers together, and offered to lead them into battle ; they 
 consented to follow him with about 300 men. The Col. march- 
 ed them on to Bunker Hill, where they were met by Putnam, 
 whose anxiety concerning this neglected'post, never slept for a 
 moment, he ordered them to take up the intrenching tools and 
 complete the works he had commenced there, declaring, how- 
 ever, his conviction that the enemy would not rally again, they 
 had been twice so thoroughly beaten. 
 
 Col. Scammans still remained inactive on Cobble hill, and 
 contented himself with sending a scrjeant and other messengers 
 to Gen. Putnam, to sec if he was wanted in the battle. 
 
 The detachment of Gerrish's regiment from Cambridge 
 inarched down and ascended Ploughed hill, under Mighill, the 
 oldest Captain, but the Adjutant Ferbiger, a Danish soldier of 
 experience, assumed the command, called on the men to follow 
 him, and marched for the lines. 
 
 Charlestown being burnt, the detachment there perceiving 
 the enemy could not march up on that side, quitted their post, 
 and joined the troops at the lines. 
 
 Howe gave his men orders to prepare again to advance. 
 Some of the officers remonstrated, that it would be mere butch- 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 41 
 
 ery to lead them on again, but the generals, and nearly every 
 officer, were indignant at the most distant susjjicion of their 
 yielding the victory to these rebels, an undisciplined rabble, of 
 inferior numbers, against whom they had poured out every epi- 
 thet of contempt. To conquer or die was their resolve. 
 
 Bloody experience at last opened their eyes to their egre- 
 gious errors. Their overweening confidence was laid aside, and 
 a deliberate and judicious plan of attack adopted. The over- 
 loaded knapsacks were relinquished ; firing with musketry was 
 prohibited, and a charge with the bayonet resorted to. The 
 attack was to be more concentrated ; while the troops at the 
 rail fence were amused by a show of force, the grand effort was 
 to be against the redoubt and breastwork, and especially on the 
 right flank. 
 
 The accomplished and chivalrous Gen. Clinton now joined 
 his countrymen, bringing his splendid talents into the council, 
 and his distinguished gallantry into the field. Iminediate and 
 inconceivable was the sensation his appearance produced at this 
 moment of deep despondence. From Copps Hill he had ob- 
 served, with shame and indignation, the double rout of his coun- 
 tiymen, and particularly that the two celebrated battahons, the 
 marines and forty-seventh, were staggered and wavering. 
 Without waiting for orders, he threw himself into a boat, pass- 
 ed over, and soon breathed into them his own exalted heroism. 
 
 Howe again commanded a forward movement to scale the 
 works, and rush on the enemy with the bayonet. He came to 
 the left to lead on to the redoubt himself. Clinton joined Gen. 
 Pigot and the marines on the left to turn the right flank of thf 
 enemy. Howe at last discovered the most vulnerable point, 
 and the key of the enemy's position ; the artillery were order- 
 ed to advance still farther than before on their old route, and 
 turn the left of the breastwork, to enfilade the line. 
 
 The Americans made every preparation possible to repe! 
 this last desperate effort of the enemy. Putnam again rode to 
 the rear, and exhausted every art and effort to bring on the scat- 
 tered reinforcements. Capt. Bayley, only, of Gerrish's regi- 
 ment, reached the lines. The General ordered Colonel 
 Gardner's Regiment into action, the Colonel commanded his 
 men to throw down the intrenching tools, and rush on, viewed 
 unconcerned the battle scene before him, terrible as Sinai, and 
 was just descending into the engagement, when a musket ball 
 entered his groin, which proved mortal. He gave his last sol- 
 emn injunction to his men, to conquer or die ; and a detachment 
 were just carrying him off the ground, '.vhen he was met bv his 
 '6 
 
42 BUNKEa HILL BATTLE. 
 
 son, 2d Lieut, of Capt. Trevett, marching on, a mere youth of 
 nineteen, and the interview which ensued between them, was 
 melancholy and heart-rending, though at the same time heroic. 
 The affectionate son in agony at the desperate situation of his 
 father was anxiously desirous to assist him off the field, but was 
 prohibited from doing this by his father, who notwithstanding 
 he was conscious that his wound was mortal, yet encouraged 
 his son to disregard it, reminding him that he wa.'- engaged in a 
 glorious cause, and whateVer were the consequence, must 
 march on, and do his duty. The distracted son obeyed his 
 parent's last command, and in the battle, now raging, proved 
 himself worthy of him, by a fearless imitation of his example, 
 and afforded him his highest consolation in the hour of death. 
 In consequence of the loss of the Col. his Regiment did not 
 reach the hues. Capt. Harris's company only with a few oth- 
 ers of the troops on the left, went to the rail fence. Capt. 
 Trevett who had lost one of his pieces on Bunker Hill, by a 
 cannon shot, marched to the rail fence with the other. 
 
 The enemy stripped off their knapsacks, and many of them 
 their coats ; the artillery pushed on by the road on the north, 
 the forty-seventh and marines near the road on the south side of 
 the hill, and the remains of the royal Irish and other regiments, 
 and part of the grenadiers and light infantry in front. Their 
 past efforts had exhausted the strength and spirit of many of 
 the soldiers who lingered in the rear, and their gallant officers 
 were compelled to urge them on with their swords. Some of 
 the less resolute fired their pieces, but the great masses obey- 
 ed their orders, and with firmness moved on to the charge. 
 They arrived under the fire of the Americans, who improved to 
 advantage their last opportunity for vengeance. Every shot 
 took effect. The gallant Howe at last received a ball in the 
 foot,* where only like Achilles he seemed to be vulnerable, but 
 continued to animate his men. 
 
 The distinguished Col. Abercrombie, who commanded the 
 grenadiers, Majors WiUiams and Spendlovef were slain ; and to 
 the noble heart of Abercrombie, Putnam was so dear as a sol- 
 dier, patriot, and friend, that dying he remembered him, and 
 enjoined it on his surrounding countrymen, *' If you take Gen. 
 Putnam alive, don't hang him, for he's a brave fellow." J 
 
 * Dr. Jeffries. 
 
 f Much distinguished for 40 years in the 47»h Reg^. and 4 times in the Ga- 
 zette for wounds in America, from Wolfe's battle to the present, 
 t From a Lend, paper, see N. E. Chron. Wot. '75. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLB. 43 
 
 Near the top of Breed's Hill were a few houses, which es- 
 caped the general conflragation of the town ; these were judi- 
 ciously manned by the Americans, who, from this cover, an- 
 noyed the British extremely on their advance, and made great 
 havoc on their left flank, before they were able to surround the 
 redoubt. 
 
 The artillery advanced toward the open space between the 
 breastwork and rail fence ; this ground was defended by some 
 brave Essex troops, covered only by scattered trees. With 
 resolution and deadly aim they poured the most destructive 
 vollies on the enemy. The cannon, however, turned the 
 breastwork, enfiladed the line,* and sent their balls through 
 the open gateway or sally port, directly into the redoubt, un- 
 der cover of which the troops at the breastwork were compelled 
 to retire. 
 
 The enemy bravely bore the deadly fire, and continually 
 closing his broken ranks, deliberately advanced on every side 
 of the redoubt except the north. They were now under the 
 eastern side of the redoubt and covered from the fire. The 
 Americans retired to the opposite side to take them as they rose. 
 Lieut. Prescott, nephew of the colonel, received a ball through 
 the arm ; it hung broken and useless by his side. The col- 
 onel ordered him to content himself with encouraging his men. 
 But he contrived to load his piece, and was passing by the sally 
 port to rest against the enemy, when a cannon ball cut him to 
 pieces. A few only of the Americans had a charge of ammu- 
 nition remaining. They had sent for a supply in vain ; a bar- 
 rel and a half only were in the magazine. They resorted next 
 to stones, but these served only to betray their weakness, and 
 lent new energy to the foe. 
 
 Young Richardson, of the royal Irish, was the first to mount 
 the works, and was instantly shot down ; the front rank which 
 succeeded shared the same fate. Among the foremost of the lead- 
 ers was the gallant Maj. Pitcairn, who exultingly cried " the 
 day is ours," when Salemf a black soldier, and a number of oth- 
 ers, shot him through and he fell. His agonized son received him 
 in his arms and tenderly bore him to the boats. It was he who 
 caused the first effusion of blood at Lexington. In that battle his 
 horse was shot under him, while he was separated from his 
 
 • Marshall, Capt. Bancroft, Mass. Cong. 
 1 Note M. 
 
44 BUNKKR HILL BATTLE. 
 
 troops ; his pistols* were taken from his holsters, and he was 
 left for dead, when he seized the opportunity and escaped. 
 
 The heroic but diminutive Pigot ran up the southeastern 
 corner of the redoubt, assisted by a tree left standing there, and 
 desperately led on his men. Troops succeeded troops over 
 the parapet, and Prescott exhausted every resource to repel 
 them, even with the huts of his guns. 
 
 But he had now his last great victory to achieve, to which 
 all his past toils, dangers, and privations, were nothing. He 
 had twice conquered the enemy ; he had now, a more difficult 
 task, to conquer himself, to bend down his lofty soul, and turn 
 his back to the enemy. Perfectly careless of his own life, he 
 had no right to trifle with the lives of his men. It was a sacred 
 deposit they had entrusted to his honor, a bond which he never 
 forfeited. Instead of an useless waste of hfe, with a " nil des- 
 perandum," he quelled his revolting spirit, and ordered a re- 
 treat. 
 
 It was not till the battle was near over, that Gen. Ward or- 
 dered down his own regiment, Putnam's, and Sargent's, to as- 
 sist their countrymen at their utmost need ; but before they 
 could arrive, the battle ended. Capt. Clark, of Putnam's regi- 
 ment, had, before this, joined in the battle, and Durkee's im- 
 patience had brought him mounted to the field, to join his old 
 commander and comrade of former wars.f Putnam's imagina- 
 tion had already inscribed the victory of Bunker Hill on his 
 coat of arms, when the retreat of the right wing burst upon him, 
 and his hopes were blasted. 
 
 The veteran Gridley now received a ball through the leg, 
 and was carried olEF. He had served all night at the entrench- 
 ments, and assisted all day in defending his own works, and 
 proving their excellence. Prescott's troops fought their way 
 through the surrounding enemy. The veteran Capt. Bancroft 
 was charging his piece, a British soldier leaped from the para- 
 pet, touching him as he came to the ground, and levelled at 
 him, they fired together, the captain tore him to pieces and 
 escaped unhurt. One of the men without ammunition perceiv- 
 ed Lieut. Prescott's loaded musket by its deceased owner ; 
 
 * These with the inilialp on them, belonged afterward to Putnam, and are 
 yet in his family. Gag^e says the horse was shot, the other tacts come from the 
 man who brought in the pistols. 
 
 t In the journal of the famous Ranger, Maj. Rob Rogers, is recorded an in- 
 atance of the adventurous bravery of Putnam, his capture by a party of sava- 
 ges, and the desperate resistance of Durkee, who, though mangled with a num- 
 ber of wounds continued fighting till he conquered. Lond. 1765, p. IIS. 
 
BUNKER HILL bATTLE. 46 
 
 ope of the enemy opposed his passage ; seizing the musket he 
 brought his antagonist to the ground. Col. Bridge, who came 
 with the first detachment, was one of the last to retreat, and 
 was twice severely wounded, in the head and neck by a broad 
 sword. His lieut. colonel, the veteran Parker, who had es- 
 caped through the whole war of '56, in which he had signalized 
 himself, especially at the desperate siege of Fort Frontinac, re- 
 ceived a ball in the thigh, and was left mortally wounded in 
 the redoubt. 
 
 Moore's soldiers found no one at the neck to supply them 
 with drink for him ; they entered a store, the owner was in the 
 cellar to secure himself from the cannonade, and refused to come 
 up, finding spirit and water however, they hastened back to wit- 
 ness only that all their efforts were labor lost, the enemy being 
 in the redoubt, and Moore in the last extremity ; his men made 
 every effort to remove him, but he ordered them to leave him, 
 and save themselves, as he had but a moment to live ; they 
 were immediately compelled to do this by the enemy, in the 
 midst of whom, they saw him for the last time, as they retired, 
 on the ground. 
 
 " On the bare earth exposed he lies, 
 With not a friend to close bis eyes." 
 
 The British now enjoyed the satisfaction of responding to the 
 hurras of victory, which had been twice enjoyed by the enemy, 
 and expressed their melancholy exultation by a feeble hurra. 
 
 The chivalrous Warren lingered to the last. His exalted 
 spirit disdained as a disgrace a retreat the most inevitable. 
 He animated the men to the most desperate daring ; and when 
 hope itself had fled, he still disdained to fly. With sullen re- 
 luctance he slowly followed his countrymen, and seemed to 
 court death from the enemy, to hide him from shame. 
 
 As he left the redoubt he was recognized by his friend Maj. 
 Small, who honorably repaid the debt of gratitude he owed the 
 enemy, he called to Warren for God's sake to stop and save his 
 life, Warren turned and seemed to recognize him, but still 
 continued on. Small ordered his men not to fire at him, and 
 threw up the muskets with his svi'ord, but in vain, the fatal ball 
 had sped ; eighty yards from the redoubt Warren received a 
 musket ball through the head, which killed him instantly, secur- 
 ing to him inmiortal fame, and the eternal giatilude of his 
 country.* 
 
 * Putnam remarked on the similarity of Lord Howe's fate, who fell hy his 
 side 17 years before, and Gen. Warren's, both he had entreated in vain to keep 
 out of the engagements in which they fell. 
 
46 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 Col. Scammans arrived al last on Bunker Hill with part ol 
 his Regiment, the remainder yet kept aloof under Maj. Wood, 
 Putnam ordered these troops into action,, but it was too late, and 
 they joined in the retreat. — Col. Whitcomb's men under Maj. 
 Sawyer yet remained in the rear. Capt. Foster arrived on the 
 top of Bunker Hill with bis field pieces, but rapidly retreated 
 to save them from the enemy. 
 
 Gardner's Reg. had now approached near the fort ; Major 
 Jackson, who had served in the former war with the British, 
 and was well aquainted with their officers, being in advance was 
 immediately recognized by one of them as they issued 
 from the redoubt, who indignantly accosted him witli " what, 
 you damn'd Rebel are you here," and levelled his piece at him, 
 Jackson at the same instant levelled at his antagonist, and they 
 fired together ; the ball passed through Maj. Jackson's side, 
 though his hfe was preserved by his sword belt, which partially 
 glanced the ball, but nothing could save a British officer, fairly 
 pitted against an American as a marksman, he was slain. 
 
 The British came on, exhausted by their desperate efforts, 
 under a blazing sun, and broken by the well diretced fire. 
 They had not force to employ the bayonet, and were too much 
 broken and mingled with the enemy to fire their pieces. Their 
 right and left wings were indeed facing each other, with the 
 Americans between ; their fire would have cut down both 
 friend and foe. While they formed themselves anew, the 
 Americans collected, and made a brave and orderly retreat. 
 Putnam put spurs to his foaming horse and threw himself be- 
 tween the retreating force and the enemy, who were but twelve 
 rods from him ; his countrymen were in momentary expecta- 
 tion of seeing this compeer of the immortal Warren fall. He 
 entreated them to rally and renew the fight, to finish his works 
 on Bunker Hill, and again give the enemy battle on that unas- 
 sailable position, and pledged his honor to restore to them an 
 easy victory. Lieut. Col. Ward reached the rail fence with 
 a few troops, while some of his companies under Capts. Cush- 
 ing. Smith, and Washburn, between Bunker and Breed's Hills, 
 •courageously covered the retreat by a brave and well directed 
 fire, they were joined by Capt. Lunt of Little's Regiment, just 
 arrived, Capts. Chester and Coit with fresh troops, and other 
 soldiers, whose ammunition was not expended. This despe- 
 rate devoted rear guard, effectually kept the enemy at bay, 
 but the laurels gained by them, were by no means bloodless, 
 a great number of these troops were killed or wounded. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 47 
 
 The Americans had retreated about twenty rods before the 
 the enemy had time to rally and pour in a destructive fire on 
 them, which destroyed more than they had lost before during 
 the day. Prescotl's adjutant was shot and crippled, his Capts. 
 Maxwell, Dow, and Farvvell, b^dly wounded, tlie latter carried 
 off for dead ; Lt. Fawcett mortally wounded and fell into the 
 hands of the enemy. Capt. Bancroft had a part of his hand 
 carried off and his Lieut. Brown was wounded. 
 
 The American left wing were congratulating themselves on 
 their victory, when their flank was opened by the retreat of the 
 right. The enemy pressed on them, and they were in their 
 turn compelled to retire. Putnam covered their retreat with 
 his Connecticut troops and others just arrived, and, in the 
 rear of the whole, dared the utmost fury of the enemy, who 
 pursued with litde ardor, but poured in their thundering vollies, 
 and showers of balls fell like hail around the general. He ad- 
 dressed himself to every passion of the tro(>ps, to persuade them 
 to rally, to throw up his works on Bunker Hill, and make a stand 
 there, and, threatened them with the eternal disgrace of desert- 
 ing their general. He took his stand near a field-piece, and 
 seemed resolved to brave the foe alone. His troops, however, 
 felt it impossible to withstand the overwhelming force of the 
 British bayonets ; they left him. One serjeant only dared to 
 stand by his general to the last ; he was shot down, and the 
 enemy's bayonets were just upon the general, when he retired. 
 
 Gen. Pomeroy continued to animate the men, and cut down 
 the enemy himself, till a well hove ball shattered his musket. 
 The retreat having commenced, he disdained to turn from the 
 enemy ; but with backward step and lowering front shouldered 
 the fragments of his piece, and carried off his men, encour- 
 aging them to pour in their formidable fire on the foe. 
 
 Capt. Trevett, like Callender, was deserted by his men. 
 His heutenants, Swasey and Gardner, stood by him, with but 
 seven others, one of whom was Moses Porter, already a prom- 
 ishig artillerist. He persuaded about thirty of the infantry to 
 join in saving one of his pieces, the other he was compelled to 
 abandon. A British company noticed the piece, and determin- 
 ed to seize the prey ; they pursued, on the top of Bunker Hill 
 were within thirty yards of them, levelled their muskets and 
 fired. The captain gave up all for lost, when but one dropped 
 dead, and another wounded, the remainder rapidly descended 
 the hill, and carried off with honor the only piece saved out ot 
 six taken to the field, Putnam ordered it to Cambridge. 
 
48 BUNKER IULL BATTLE. 
 
 The CUarlestown company of Gardner's regiment was the 
 last to retreat. They were fighting at their own doors, on 
 their own natal soil. They were on the extreme left, covered 
 by some loose stones thrown up on the shore of the Mystic, 
 during the day, by order of Col. Stark. At this most impor- 
 tant pass into the country, against which the enemy made the 
 most desperate efforts, like Leonidas' band, they had taken 
 post, and Hke them they defended it, till the enemy had dis- 
 covered another. 
 
 One piece of cannon at the neck opened on the enemy and 
 covered the retreat.* But these were in no condition, and 
 discovered no inclination to renew the engagement, or pursue 
 their advantage, except by a formidable fire from their field 
 pieces on Bunker Hill,f where they remained, and lay on their 
 arms during the night. The same was done by most of the 
 Americans on Prospect Hill, directly in the face of the enemy, 
 and by Reed's and Starks' troops on Winter Hill. 
 
 Maj. Brooks was retained at Cambridge by Ward, till the 
 last reinforcements were sent to Charlestown, when he march- 
 ed with the two remaining companies of his regiment, and met 
 at the neck the Americans retreating. Benjamin Thompson, 
 better known as Count Rumford, attended him as a volunteer. 
 He was assisting the army by his mathematical learning, his 
 estimates and surveys, but had solicited an appointment in vain, 
 and had made great but fruitless interest for the commission in 
 the artillery which was bestowed on Maj. Gridley.J For this 
 gross injustice done to his disnnguished merit, his country suf- 
 fered well deserved punishment iu the misconduct of his rival, 
 and by the final loss of his services, except what they received, 
 in common with all mankind, from his splendid philosophical 
 discoveries, his glorious and beneficent political labors. 
 
 Henry Knox, afterward the distinguished General, assisted 
 NVard, as a volunteer, in reconnoitring the enemy's move- 
 rjients during the day. 
 
 M'Clary, as attentive to the wants of his men as desperate 
 in fighting them, galloped to Medford, and returned with dres- 
 sings for the wounded. He ordered Capt. Dearborn to ad- 
 vance toward the neck with his company, while he crossed over 
 ro reconnoitre the enemy. He was returning with Lieut. Col. 
 Robinson and others, and observed that the shot commissioned 
 to kill him was not yet cast, when a cannon ball from the Glas- 
 
 ' Gov. Brooks. 1 Dr. Dexter. t Gov. Brooks. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 49 
 
 govv tore him to pieces. No smaller weapon seemed worthy 
 to destroy the gigantic hero. 
 
 The veteran Col. Gridley entered his sulky at Bunker Hill to 
 be carried off. The enemy shot the horse, and riddled the 
 sulky with balls ; but their rage was impotent ; meeting some 
 obstruction in the road, he had left the carriage a moment be- 
 fore. 
 
 Prescott repaired to Cambridge, furious as a lion driven 
 from his lair, foaming with indignation at the want of support 
 when victory was in his grasp, — a victory dearly purchased 
 with the precious blood of his soldiers, family, and sriends. 
 He demanded but two fresh regiments of Ward, and pledged 
 his life with these to drive the enemy to their boats. He had 
 not yet done enough to satisfy himself, though he had done 
 enough to satisfy his country. He had not indeed secured 
 final victory, but he had secured a glorious immortality. 
 
 Two young men in Boston were employed in taking the 
 wounded from the boats to the hospitals ; and a young lieute- 
 nant, shot through the body, was carried by them in a chair to 
 his encampment, passing the streets, pale and faint with 
 loss of blood, he attracted the humane and generous compas- 
 sion shown by the inhabitants to the wounded ; enmity forgot- 
 ten, they were all at their doors with refreshing drink for 
 them. At the encampment they met Capt. Pitcairn covered 
 with blood. Struck with the appearance, the lieutenant in- 
 quired of him the cause, but his grief was too big for utterance, 
 " vox faucibus hassit." A serjeant informed him, the captain's 
 father was shot at the breastwork, and carried by his son to the 
 boat, where he died in his arms. The hospital they found was 
 established in a different place,"" to which they repaired, and 
 witnessed a scene to melt the most obdurate enemy. Not 
 only the hospital but the yard was overloaded with wounded, 
 praying in vain for the surgeons to arrest the current of life, 
 fast ebbing from their wounds, which, from their numbers, il 
 was impossible, for a long time, to dress. 
 
 Loud and melancholy wailings for the dead, from widows 
 of the common soldiers, were heard in every street, and struck 
 on the heart of the passenger. 
 
 The American surgical department was quite unorganized,! 
 
 ♦ In the old factory opposite the granary. 
 
 f The hospital was in the house now A. Bigelow, Esq.'s. Soon afterward it 
 was removed to Mr Fairweather's, and nut under the supei inteudcnce of the 
 poet and traitor, Dr. Church, who in one of his intercepted letters attrihutes 
 the loss of the battle, to the cowardice of the clumsy Col. Gerrish and Col. 
 Scammans. 
 
 The above account of Maj. Jackson p. 46, is from Mr. Baldwin see Notes p. 1? 
 
 7 
 
50 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 Doct. Foster, of Charleslown, was principal surgeon ; many of 
 the wounded were carried to a place of safety on the backs of 
 their comrades, and the best litter for the highest officer was a 
 blanket and rails. Doct. Eustis,* of the artillery, Doctors 
 Thos. Kitteridge, Walter Hastings, Thos. Welsh, David Town- 
 send, and Jno. Hunt, were in attendance this day, principally at 
 a house under the western side of Bunker Hill ; they were join- 
 ed by Lieut. Col. Bricketf a physician, who came off with the 
 first of the wounded. Doct. Welsh was afterwards near Winter 
 Hill, by which route the troops, who went to Cambridge, re- 
 treated ; he and Sam'l Blodget assisted in arresting the retreat 
 of the N. Hampshire troops. Col. Gardner was overtaken 
 here by the flying soldiers, which roused him to make his last 
 effort for his country ; with his feeble remains of strength he 
 raised himself up by the rails on which he was carried, and 
 beckoned them back to the fight. 
 
 The number of the Americans during the battle was fluctu- 
 ating, but may be fairly estimated at 3500 who joined in the 
 battle, and 600 more who covered the retreat.| Their loss 
 was one hundred and fifteen killed and missing, three hundred 
 and five wounded, and thirty captured, in all four hundred and 
 fifty. § The following was the estimated loss of the respec- 
 tive corps : 
 
 Regriments. Killed. Wounded. 
 
 Colonels Stark and Reed 15 45 
 
 Colonel Scammans 2 
 
 — Gerrish 3 2 
 
 Whitcomb 6 8 
 
 Brewer 7 11 
 
 Little 7 23 
 
 Gardner 6 7 
 
 Gridley • 4 
 
 * Afterwards Secretary of War, Minister to Holland, and Gov. of Mass 
 of uibune manners and respectable talents. 
 
 t It is said Warren, as he went on, obtained his arms from liim. 
 
 Dr. John Warren, brother to the General, hearing a runior of an approach- 
 ing engagement, came from Salem to join the armv as a soldier on the day 
 of the battle, was engaged as Hospital Surgeon, and much distinguished as 
 such during the war. 
 
 t The average numbers in a Regt according to the returns of 17 the 
 author has, were 469. Great allowance must be made for those unable, and 
 those unwilling, to go on ; the men went on or off as they pleased, and when 
 they pleased. 
 
 § Gen. Ward's ord. book. 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 51 
 
 Regiments. Killed. Wounded. 
 
 General Putnam's regiment, ) 
 
 Captain Coit, and / • • • 1^ ^^ 
 
 Captain Chester's companies, ) 
 
 General Ward 1 6 
 
 Colonel Bridge 16 i9 
 
 Prescott 42 28 
 
 Frye 15 31 
 
 Nixon 3 10 
 
 Woodbridge 1 5 
 
 Doolittle 9 
 
 Providence newspaper, July 15, 1775. 
 
 The British loss was about 1500,* Gage acknowledges but 
 1054 ;f including eighty-nine officers ; two hundred and 
 twenty-six killed, including nineteen officers, and eight hun- 
 dred and twenty-eight wounded, seventy of them officers. The 
 52d regt. lost 5 officers, four of them the highest in the regi- 
 ment .; their only complaint was that they were wounded in the 
 back. The marines lost six, and Howe's aid-de-camp ; and 
 had 12 wounded. The grenadiers of the Welsh fusileers 
 were reduced to eight, and twenty-two out of thirty-nine grena- 
 diers of the fifty-second regiment were killed. AH the grena- 
 diers fo one company were shot storming the works except five, 
 and these were led on by the oldest soldier. J Lord Rawdon, 
 afterwards Earl of Moira and Marquis of Hastings, led on a 
 corps of grenadiers, and escaped with a ball or two through his 
 cap.§ 
 
 Stark's Capt. Baldwin, who had been in twenty actions, 
 Nixon's Capt. Moses, and Lieuts. Dix of Gerrish's, West 
 of Whitcomb's, and Bailey of Bridge's regiments, were killed ; 
 Ward's Capt. Wood, Putnam's Lieut. Grosvenor, Stark's Lieut. 
 Scott,|| and Little's serjeant afterwards Lieut. Pearson, wounded. 
 Capt. Warner carried on but 23 men, 17 of them were killed or 
 wounded. He received a ball through his hat, another through 
 his waistcoat pocket which destroyed his knife handle, one 
 through his coat, and, by a fourth, lost his gun, easily replaced 
 now from those whicli had lost their owners. Capt. Coburn 
 had two balls through his jacket, and ^ve through his shirt ; 
 and Capt. Dullard's clothes were cut as remarkably, both were 
 
 * Mass. Cong. 
 
 t His crafty expression that he sent over, something above 2000 has de- 
 ceived many. 
 
 t Gentleman's Magazine for 1775 p. 397. 
 
 § Burgoyne says, " be behaved to a charm, his name is established forever.' 
 
 II Not called Lieut, on record, but doubcless the same who was taken prisoner. 
 
52 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 unhurt. After t^-e 'e reit, Col. Sargent was slightly wounded 
 by a cannon I all, which carried off Lieut. Col. Ward's car- 
 tridge box and knocke 1 down a subaltern. Many were in- 
 jured, and Capt. Bancroft lost an eye, from the percussion of 
 the air by cannon bails. Col. Nixon's life was saved by a dol- 
 lar in his pocket, Judge Winthrop and James Swan, Esq. vol- 
 unteered in the battle, fought valiantly with their muskets, and 
 the former was uounded.* 
 
 Thirty-one Americans, taken prisoners, were confined, offi- 
 cers and men, in Boston jail. Washington complained to Gage 
 of their treatment, who declared they fared as well as the Bri- 
 tish,! though destined to the cord by the laws of the country ; 
 but that, not acknowledging rank unless derived from the crown, 
 he made no distinction in favour of officers. 
 
 la this battle the British gained a nominal victory, but the 
 Americans the only prize contended for ; they desiroyed en- 
 tirely the physical and moral force of the British army, impris- 
 oned them within their narrow limits, and prevented their ex- 
 cursions. The enemy never after recovered their enterprise 
 and confidence in America, and by this single battle the final 
 success of the American revolution was secured. 
 
 The Rev. Doct. Saml. Macclintock of Greenland, Chaplain 
 of Stark's Reg. and in the war of '56 Chaplain of GofFe's Reg. 
 was in tie battle of Bunker Hill, intrepidly by " his exhortations 
 prayers and example encouraging and animating them to the 
 uncc|in] conflict," 
 
 * Philip Johnson, Esq. ti.en of Little's regiuifnt, was woimdefl. His Capt. 
 PerMiis, lii)tlingit wssimI warm when they arrived at the neck, threw away his 
 wi-;, and led his men over at single file, tlie mode generally adopted. 
 
 Mr. Abbot, now posiiiiastei at Andover, received a ball through his leg- ; Mr. 
 Barker cairied him off i a mile on his back. A ball passed through the body 
 ol one man and wounded another in the knee ; the first recovered, the latter 
 died. Braddish reci ived a ball in the back of his head or neck, which came 
 out throu;;h his Corcliead, was cured, and served again. Gates's jaw 
 was broken by a ball ; he served a year or two, tilt sent home as disabled, and 
 has been compelled to dress his wound eveiy day for ^ a century. Another 
 has worn a bidlet in his lejr the same length of time. The heart of Pollard, 
 the first killed, continued beating for some time after it was cut ont of him by 
 the cannon ball. 
 
 Capt. Wheeler^ piinp: on, a 24-pound cannon shot passed between his legs 
 on top of Bunker Hill, thi.>w him into the air, prostrated him, and broke his 
 waistband stiing ; his katlitv smallclothes secuied him from further injury. 
 
 Fear fastened on Capt. •** like ninht-mare ; heartily inclined to fight in 
 the cause, and deeply mortified, it was impossible for him to break the spell. 
 He honestly confessed his weakness ; a serjeant led on the company ; and 
 against their unanimous wish, he resigned. ' 
 
 f Boston suffered extremely from want of fresh provisions ; owin<^ to which 
 many of the prisoners and British died. A present, (rem Putnam to Gen. 
 Gage's lady, of a «]uarter of veal, was of consequence enongh to be recorded 
 in the newspapers. The respe< ted Master Lovell was imprisoned, and after- 
 wards carried to Halifax, on account of his letters found on Gen. Warren. 
 
 The Americans used no colors, and the British neither colors nor music 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 53 
 
 SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER. 
 
 Ward was appointed by the National Congress first major 
 general and second in command of the army. He assumed 
 the coinmand of the right wing at Roxbury on the arrival of 
 Washington, 2d July, by whom his disposition of the troops 
 around Boston was approved.* From ill health he resigned his 
 commission in April. '76, but continued in command at the re- 
 quest of Washington and Congress till March '77. He was af- 
 terwards in Congress under the old confederation and present 
 constitution, and died in 1800, aged 73. f 
 
 Thomas was appointed first Brig. Gen. under the United 
 States ; in '76 Maior Gen. and on the death of Montgomery 
 repaired to Canada to command the army before Quebec. 
 He found their situation desperate ; but was too adventurous 
 to relinquish the enterprise without one attenjpt to secure the 
 fav^ours of fortune. He endeavoured to burn the enemy's naval 
 force before the city by a fire ship, designing to attack the 
 place during the conflagration; the fire ship miscarried, he was 
 compelled to retreat, and died of the small pox at Chamblee. 
 
 Pomeroy expressed his strong sense of the blindness of for- 
 tune, that, of the two volunteer generals in the battle, Warren, 
 the young and chivalrous soldier, the eloquent and enlightened 
 legislator, should fall, and he escape, old and useless, unhurt. 
 From age he declined the honourable appointment of first Brig. 
 Gen. of the U. S. army, and retired from service. But, like 
 the veteran war horse, when the echoes of his majestic Connec- 
 ticut rang with the clarion of battle, he spurned the peaceful re- 
 treat which his long life and long services demanded. He 
 preferred even a regiment to inaction, and as a colonel march- 
 ed to join the kindred spirits who composed our army in the 
 Jerseys. His exposures produced a pleurisy, which proved 
 
 * Marshall, 242. 
 
 t Two days after the battle he informed Mass. Congress, that sppars might 
 have saved the redoubt, the army were immediately supplied with them ; and 
 they were kept greased to prevent their being efi'ectually gi iisped by thr ene- 
 my. Ward's Aid de camp was Sanil. Osgood, his Secretary Jos. Ward, aittr- 
 wards a highly respected Muster-raaster-general during most of the war under 
 Washingtorj. 
 
64 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 fatal at Peekskill in New York, where his country owes liim a 
 monument, and bravery and patriotism perennial fame. 
 
 When Putnam* was ordered on what may well be styled a 
 forlorn hope, to land with a detachment at Boston, in face of 
 the army and batteries of the enemy, Prescott solicited of him 
 the honor of participating the desperate enterprise, which was 
 arrested however by a hurricane, and the enemy were expelled 
 from a different quarter. The Col. continued in service, accom- 
 panied Washington to New York, and on the disastrous retreat 
 through the Jerseys, was the only officer able to keep his men 
 in the ranks. They proved worthy the hero of Bunker Hill, 
 and kept the enemy in respect ; Washington applauded them 
 as an example to the army, and tendered his thanks to the Col. 
 in general orders. In '77 he joined Gen. Gates with a corps of 
 volunteers, and continued with him till the capture of Bur- 
 goyne. 
 
 On the return of peace he again entered the state legislature, 
 and distinguished himself in '87 as a magistrate, as he did in '75 
 as a warrior. From the miseries and poverty produced by 
 war, many of the sufferers in Massachusetts were driven to an 
 armed opposition to government ; this enlightened patriot em- 
 ployed his powerful influence to stay the torrent of insurrection ; 
 he collected his friends and proceeded to Concord armed to 
 protect the court there against the insurgents. He was reli- 
 gious and died, 1790, in the 70th year of his age. 
 
 Immediately after the battle, the rank of major general was 
 conferred on Gridley. America commenced her revolution 
 with but four pieces of cannon, and to his mechanical science 
 and ingenuity she was indebted for the first mortars and cannon 
 ever cast in the country. After being confined some months by 
 his wound, he repaired to Cambridge and superintended the 
 fortifications erecting round Bos on. On the 4th March, ^76, 
 he was again engaged in erecting fortifications in the night, and 
 the address, science, and prodigies of labour, displayed at Dor- 
 chester Heights, were perhaps never exceeded, except on 
 Breed's Hill. These works compelled the enemy to evacuate 
 Boston, the heights and the islands of which, were fortified by 
 Gridley. Washington urged him to accompany the army, but 
 his advanced age forbade, and he retired on half pay. In '1)5 
 he assisted in laying the corner stone of the state house, as in 
 laying that of the state in '75, and lived to the age of 86, a 
 
 * Putnam ronitnrnced thr> for<8kations at Prospect Kill, ar.d after Washing- 
 ion's ai rival, at Lechineic Point likewise, and Cobble Hill, tlie nork at fh? 
 last place was rjameil Putnam's impregnable Fort. 
 
BUNKEK HILL BATTLE. 5t) 
 
 model of courtliness, beneficence, and hospitality, as well as 
 military excellence. 
 
 Stark will be recognized as the hero of Bennington, where 
 he practised an ingenious deception to strike a panic into the 
 enemy. He had one iron cannon, but neither powder sufficient 
 for it, nor balls ; he ordered an officer to load it, who objected 
 the want of balls ; " no matter," said the colonel, " load it 
 " with blank cartridge, and let the discharge be the signal for 
 " all the troops to rush on." The Hessians were panic-struck 
 at the thundering report, his troops rushed on with loud hurras, 
 and the victory was complete.* 
 
 The veteran Col. Jos. Frye, brother to James, had served 
 with reputation in the wars of '45, and '56, commanded all the 
 Mass. forces in '57, f was captured at fort Wm. Henry, stripped 
 naked, and gashed with tomahawksj in the subsequent massa- 
 cre ; was appointed Maj. Gen. by JNlass. Congress, 21 June 
 '75, served some time afterwards, and died very old at Frye- 
 burgh, named after his family. 
 
 Col. Gardner hved a few days after the battle, being asked 
 if he was well enough to see his son, " yes," answered the 
 hero, " if he has done his duty." He had the satisfaction to 
 see him, and learn that he bravely distinguished himself. 
 
 The hfe of Brooks since the battle of Bunker Hill has been 
 far too distinguished in the military and political history of 
 America to be noticed satisfactorily in a supplement. His 
 regiment, when Washington arrived at Cambridge, was distin- 
 guished for its superior disciphne, and Gates pronounced him 
 one of the first disciphnarians in service. He was appointed 
 first inspector of the army under Steuben, and afterwards Adj. 
 Gen. for the army on the North River, and was distinguished in 
 nearly all the important battles of the revolution. He was in 
 the battle on Long Island with the reinforcement, and in that 
 of White Plains ; history has recorded him among the most dis- 
 tinguished commanders in the army which captured Burgoyne ; 
 and he was in the battle of Monmouth as Adj. Gen. From 
 their earhesl acquaintance, he was a favourite of Washington, 
 enjoyed his uniform friendship, and was honourably distinguish- 
 ed, from being selected by him as one of the general officers, to 
 serve with him again in '98. During the last war he had the su- 
 
 * His statement to Hon. Tim. Bigelow. 
 t lV!inot2. 16. 
 
 i He. was opposed to the surrender, and his officers presented him a piece 
 of plate for his courage and coaduct on this uccssion. 
 
66 BUNKER HILL BATTLE 
 
 perintendenceof the militia of Mass. and secured the country from 
 inroads of the enemy. For many years he was elected gover- 
 nor and commander in chiet of Massachusetts, to t)ie universal 
 satisfaction of all parties. Over the libeities and free constitu- 
 tions he established as a warrior, he presided as a legislator with 
 distinguished abihty. In 1823 he declined a reelection, and 
 died in '25 universally lamented. 
 
 The brave Knowlton, from tlie first moment of the battle to 
 the last of the retreat, showed himself worthy the honour of 
 being selected as the first among the Connecticut captains. 
 He was promoted, and on the night of 8th of Jan. went, in 
 command of 200 men, directly under the enemy's batteries, 
 and burned some houses left standing near the neck, killed or 
 captured the British in them, and came off without loss under 
 a heavy fire. He was afterwards Lieut. Col. and at the bat- 
 tle of Harlem heights, was sent by Washington to gain the ene- 
 my's rear ; a bloody action ensued ; Knowlton and his men 
 fought the whole force of the enemy, of vastly superior num- 
 bers, before the Americans could attack in front, and gained 
 the advantage. By this gallant affair, he restored to the army, 
 a glorious, moral force, nearly extinguished by disasters ; but at 
 the expense of many of his brave men in the unequal contest ; 
 his Major Leitch was slain, with three balls through him, and 
 the victory was dearly purchased with his own invaluable life. 
 Washington paid due honour to his memory in general orders, 
 declaring, " he had died a glorious death, which every soldier 
 " ought to wish for, and would have been an honour to any 
 " country on earth." 
 
 The indignation felt by Prescott, at the loss of the battle, 
 was general, in the army and throughout the country ; a scru- 
 tiny, severe and unrelenting, was instituted into the conduct of 
 every one who could be suspected. Even the dangerous and 
 honourable wounds of Bridge were insufficient to secure him 
 from passing the ordeal of a court ; from whose relentless se- 
 verity he narrowly escaped condemnation, on the charge of 
 keeping under cover too cautiously in the redoubt. 
 
 iXotwithstanding this severe inquisition, and the great num- 
 ber of Americans engaged, most of them for the the first time, 
 five only were discovered guilty of misconduct. Of these, 
 Maj. Gridley was tried for neglect of duty. Gen. Green presid- 
 ing, the court *' find him guilty of breach of orders, and there- 
 " fore dismiss him from the Massachusetts service ; but on ac- 
 " count of his inexperience and youth, and the great confusion 
 " which attended that day's transaction in general, they do not 
 
BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 5T 
 
 " consider him incapable of a Continental commission, should 
 " the general officers recommend him to his Excellency."* 
 
 Mansfield was obviously guilty of an error only, arising from 
 inexperience ; he was cashiered. Col. Gerrish evinced cer- 
 tainly a want of military ardor and activity, but this was in part 
 a constitutional defect. He was not accused before the com- 
 mittee of Congress by Gen. Putnam, and in the opinion of the 
 highly respected judge advocate of the court was far too harsh- 
 ly treated. f 
 
 A complaint was lodged against him with Ward immediately 
 after the battle, who refused to notice it on account of the 
 unorganized state of the army. He was stationed at Sewall's 
 point, which was fortified ; in a few weeks a floating battery 
 made an attack on the place, which he did not attempt to 
 repel, observing, " the rascals can do us no harm, and it would 
 " be a mere waste of powder, to fire at them with our 4 
 " pounders ;" it was evening, the lights were extinguished, and 
 all the British balls flew wide of the fort. For his conduct on 
 this occasion, and at Bunker Hill he wixs arrested immediately, 
 tried, found guilty of " conduct unworthy an officer," and 
 cashiered. 
 
 Capt. Callender apparently guilty of cowardice is a glorious in- 
 stance of the buoyancy of genuine heroism, and the redeeming ef- 
 ficacy of the "mind conscious of rectitude." The furious denun- 
 ciation of Putnam, the sentence of court, and thundering proscrip- 
 tion of Washington, would have crushed any one forever, not 
 armed with a panoply so divine. A committee of Congress ap- 
 pointed to inquire into the truth of a report, that some officers of 
 the army had been guilty of misconduct ; report, that they had 
 made inquiry of Gen. Putnam and other officers who were in the 
 hottest of the battle, and that the general charged Capt. Callen- 
 der and another artillery officer, with infamous cowardice, one 
 of the principal causes of the defeat, and informed them that 
 he would quit the service if these officers were not made an ex- 
 ample of, and that one of them ought to be shot. The court 
 martial condemned Callender, and Washington approved the 
 judgment, " not only from the particular guilt of Capt. Callen- 
 " der, but the fatal consequence of such conduct to the army, 
 " and to the cause of America in general." 
 
 Notwithstanding this, our hero resolved to compel the world 
 to acknowledge, by his future conduct, that his past had been 
 mistaken. He continued with his corps as a volunteer, and 
 desperately exposed himself in every action. The brave and 
 beneficent Knox extended to him his friendship. At the bat- 
 tle on Long Island, the Capt. and Lieut, of the artillery com- 
 pany, in which he served, were shot ; he assumed the com- 
 mand, and refusing to retreat, fought his pieces to the last ; 
 
 * Ord. Book. + Judge Tudor. 
 
 8 
 
58 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 
 
 the bayonets of the soldiers were just upon him, when a Brit-^ 
 ish officer, admiring his chivah'ous and desperate courage, inter- 
 fered and saved him. Washington expressed the highest ap- 
 probation of his conduct, gave him his hand and his cordial 
 thanks ; ordered the sentence of the court martial to be erased 
 from the orderly book, and restored him his commission. He 
 lield this during the war, and left service at the peace, with the 
 highest honour and reputation.* 
 
 Capt, Dearborn was afterwards distinguished during the re- 
 volutionary war for his bravery and enterprise. He volunteered 
 at the head of a company of men, selected from the regiment 
 to accompany Arnold, in the winter of '75, through the track- 
 less wilds, to Quebec ; an enterprise, which, in daring hardi- 
 hood and courage, is not surpassed by Hannibal's passage of 
 the Alps. He commanded a battalion of Lt. infantry at Sara- 
 toga, and his services were acknowledged by Gates in the high- 
 est terras of approbation. Cilley's regiment in which he was 
 Lieut. Col. was highly distinguished in the battle of Monmouth, 
 and the salvation of tiie army was owing to their courage. 
 Washington acknowledged the service, and sent to inquire what 
 regiment it was. " Full blooded yankees by . . . sir," was 
 the answer of the commander. Dearborn was afterward sec- 
 retary at war under Jefferson ; and during the last war first 
 major general and senior ofticer of the army. 
 
 F orter, who stood by his captain and cannon to the last, 
 rose through every grade of office, to be a distinguished Gen. 
 in the army. He was intrusted with the command at Norfolk, 
 the last war, and in 1818 was at Boston in command of the 
 district which in '75 as a private he so bravely defended. 
 
 Howe, notwithstanding his wound, remained on the field the 
 whoje night, watching the movements of the enemyj supporting 
 himself against some hay, he ordered his attendants to prevent 
 him from falling asleep. 
 
 In the morning young Winslowf of Boston, recognised the 
 body of Warren, and announced the fact. Howe would 
 scarcely credit the account ; it was so improbable that the 
 president of Congress was in the battle. Dr. Jeffries was on 
 the field dressing the British wounded, and the wounded Amer- 
 ican prisoners, with his usual humanity and skill. Howe in- 
 quired of him if he could identify Warren ; he recollected that 
 he had lost a finger nail and wore a false tooth, and informed 
 the general that Warren had five days before ventured over to 
 Boston in a canoe to get information, invited Jeffries to join the 
 Americans as surgeon, and informed him that he was himself to 
 receive a commission in the army. Warren was instantly 
 jfecognised, and the enemy declared this victim alone was worth 
 fiv€ hundred of their men. 
 
 t Lt. Wopdward was also found guilty of iniscoDdu(;t. t Gen. Winslpyy 
 
25 
 
 Note K. 
 
 Robert Steele fofDedham) drummer, beat yankee doodle on the 
 day of the battle^ was drum m;ijor during the war, instructed by 
 Steuben, received two badges of merit, and had the honour of carrying 
 every flag while the army were opposed to Burgoyne. On 17th 
 June last, he had the satisfaction of beating the same tune, on the same 
 spot, f;)r the procession which laid the cornerstone of a monument to 
 commemorate the engagement, and of meeting 200 of his surviving 
 companions in the battle on the same day, who all declared it the hap- 
 piest of their lives. Parks, (of Cambridge) who blew the ear-piercing 
 fife for Gardner's reg., afterwards fife major in the army, says yankee 
 doodle was first employed at this time, being introduced by the 
 British to ridicule the yankees. Parks' talents are still in requisition 
 as an accomplished fifer, and by labour and industry he has honora- 
 bly educated and maintained his family of 25 children. 
 
 Note L. 
 
 Frost says, we fought behind some stones we threw up, on the shore 
 of the Mystic ; I received a ball through the hip, and could not re- 
 treat, but crept in among the British wounded. In the morning 1 
 was discovered, and an officer ordered me to be carried to the fort ; 
 the soldiers damned me and threatened to run me through if I did 
 not rise and walk, but T was too stiff to move. They hauled me about 
 till I became more limber, I took hold of their shoulders, hopped to 
 the fort, was confined in Boston jail, and carried to Halifax ; in abouT^ 
 a year, broke jail and went to R, Island to enlist again, but they 
 would not accept me on account of my lameness. 
 
 Note M. 
 
 Gen. Winslow stated, a contribution was made in the army for 
 Salem and he was presented to Washington as having slain Pitcairn, 
 who was kilkd on the British left, according to all authorities. De 
 Berniere places his marines there opposed to some houses near the re- 
 doubt and the " Conduct of the war, &c." says he was shotfiom some 
 Charlestown houses. Four balls were lodged in him. He was much 
 beloved in Boston, and the English papers contain the highest eulogies 
 on him as a gentleman, soldier, husband and father. When slain, 
 his son in agony exclaimed " I've lost my father," his soldiers ceased 
 firing, and responded with that most eloquent eulogy "we've all of us 
 lost a father." His family were pensioned, and his son promoted 
 before his turn in his father's corps. 
 
 Many northern blacks were excellent soldiers, but southern troops 
 could not brook an equality with negroes. Nov. 15, 1775, Washing- 
 ton prohibited their enlistment. Besides Salem, Cuffee Whittemore 
 fought bravely in the redoubt. He had a ball through his hat on 
 Bunker Hill, fought to the last, and when compelled to retreat, though 
 wounded, the splendid arms of the British officers were prizes too 
 tempting for him to come off empty handed, he seized the sword of 
 one of thera slain in the redoubt, and came ofi" with the trophy, which 
 
26 
 
 na few days he unromantically sold. He served faithfully through 
 he war, with many hair-breadth 'scapes from sword and pestilence. 
 
 It was not till the 29th June, that some other coloured allies joined 
 the Americans, principally out of respect to Putnam, some Indian 
 warriors from Canada ; but they were unmanageable and soon dis- 
 missed. 
 
 Col. James Reed, a highly respectable officer, was stationed at Ti- 
 conderoga, in '76, and took the small pox, by which he lost his 
 eye-sight for life. Col Stark was dissatisfied at Col. Poor's being 
 promoted to a brigadier gen. over him, and his letter to congress, com- 
 plaining of it, not being noticed, he left the service, joined the N. H. 
 militia as Brig Gen. marched with these troops to protect the fron- 
 tiers, independently of the national army, and gained his famous vic- 
 tories. Congress had resolved that the instructions which he had re- 
 ceived were destructive of military subordination, but they now in- 
 quired of him why he did not inform them of his success. He an- 
 swered that his correspondence with them was closed, as they had 
 not attended to his last letters ; they presented their thanks to him^ 
 his officers and troops, and promoted him to a Brigadier General. 
 
 The excessive variations in the military career of Col. Nixon are 
 scarcely paralleled ; those only of Col. Morgan perhaps can be com- 
 pared with them. We believe, when he first entered service, a mere 
 lad, he was tempted by two other soldiers much older than himself to 
 desert, thfy were taken and condemned to be shot, but on account 
 of his youth the platoon was ordered to fire at the two others only, 
 and spare him. He fell senseless at the shock, and was afterward a 
 brave Brig. Gen. But in the new organization of the army, at the 
 latter part of the war, was left out of service. 
 
 Putnam's Capt , now Col. Clark, having been promoted, is the old- 
 est surviving soldier of the battle, being 9.'J, his bodily and mental 
 powers are in astonishing preservation, he was one of the most hvely 
 of those at the celebration in June last, and his son, 64, was kept away 
 by old age. 
 
 The oath for Offi and men was to serve faithfully in the Mass army for 
 defence and security of estates, lives and liberties of the good people 
 of this and sister Colonies against ministerial tyranny, and to all other 
 enemies and opposers,&c to adhere to rules and regulations of army, 
 obey officers over them, and disclose to said officers any conspiracies, 
 attempts, &c. against said army or colonies. 
 
 Besides the N. H. troops already mentioned, a large company, 110, 
 went from Exeter the day after Lexington battle, and staid at Cam- 
 bridge 10 days, till recalled to guard the seaboard. John T. Gilman, 
 afterward in the continental congress, and for 14 years Governor oif 
 N. Hampshire, went with these troops. 
 
 Gov. Brooks's declaration, page 23, line 5., was not taken in writing. 
 
 Wounded and made Prisoners. Serjeant Robt. Phelps, Phineas IVevers, Ol- 
 iver Stevens, Danl. M'Grath, John Perkins, Amasa Fisk, Daniel Sessions, 
 Jona. Norton, Philip J. Peck, Benj. Bigelow, Benj. Wilson, Archibald M'Fntosh, 
 David Kemp. John Deland, Lawrence Sullivan, Timothy Kettle, Wm Robinson, 
 Benj. Ross, John Dillon, Wm. Keucb, Jas. Dodge, Wm, RoUinson, John Lord, 
 .Tas. Milliken, Steph Foster. 
 
27 
 
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 GAGE S OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. 
 
 An alarm was given at break of day, on the 17th inst. by a firing from the 
 Lire/_^ ship of war ; and advice was soon afterward received that the rebels 
 had broke ground, and were raising a battery on the heights of the peninsula 
 of Charlestown, against the town of Boston. They were plainly seen at work, 
 and, in a few hours, a battery of six guns played upon their works. Prepara- 
 tions were instantly made for landing a body of men to drive them off; and 
 ten cempanies of the grenadiers, ten of light infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43d, 
 and o'2d battalions, with a proportion of field artillery, under the command of 
 major general Howe, and brigadier general Higot, were embarked with great 
 Expedition, and landed on the peninsula without opposition, under the protec- 
 tion of some ships of war., armed vessels, and boats, by whose fire the rebels 
 were kept within their works. The troops formed as soon as landed ; the light 
 infantry posted on the right, and the grenadiers upon their left. The 5th, and 
 38th battalions drew up in the rear of those corjts. and the 43d and 52d bat- 
 talions make a third line. Tiie rebels upon the heights were perceived to be 
 in great force, and strongly posted A redoubt was thrown up on the 16th, 
 at night, with other works, full of men, defended with cannon, and a large 
 body posted in the houses in Charlestown, covered their right flank ; and 
 their center and left were covered by a breast-work, part of it cannoo- 
 proof, which reached from the left of the redoubt to the Mvstick or Medforil 
 river. This appearance of the rebels' strength, and the large columns seen 
 pouring in to their assistance, occasioned an application for the troops to be 
 reinf()rce<l with some companies of li<^ht infantry and grenadiers, the 47th 
 battalion, and the 1st battalion of marines ; the whole when in conjunction, 
 making a body of something above 2000 men. These troops advanced, form- 
 ed in two lines, and the attack began by a sharp cannonade from the field pie- 
 ces and the howitzers, the lines advancing slowly, and frequently halting to 
 give time for the artillery to fire. The light infantry was directed to force the 
 left point of the breast-work, to take the rebel line in flank, and the grenadiers 
 to attack in front, supported by the 5th and 52d battalions. These orders were 
 executed with perseverance, under a heavy fire from the vast numbers of the 
 rebels; and notwithntanding various impediments before the troops could 
 reach the works, and though the left, under brigadier general Pigot, was en- 
 gaged also with the rebels at ChVirlestovvn, which, at a critical moment, was 
 set on fire, the brigadier pursued his point, and carried the redoul^t. 
 
 The rebels were then forced from other strong holds, and pursued till they 
 were driven clear off the peninsula, leaving five pieces of cannon behind them. 
 The loss the rebels sustained must have been considerable, from the great 
 numbers they carried off during the tinre of action, and i;urieii in holes, since 
 discovered ; exclusive of what they suffered by the shinpinff smd bnats ; near 
 100 were buried the day after, and thirty found woundi'd, in the field, three of 
 which are since dead. I inclose your lord.'ihip a return of the killed an 1 wound- 
 ed of his majesty's troops. This action has shown tiie s-iperiority of the Kng's 
 troops, who, under every disadvantage, attacked and defeated iibove three 
 rime; their own number, strongly posted and covered by bieast-works. 
 
^0 
 
 The conduct of major general Howe was conspicuous on this occasion, and 
 his pxample inspirited the troops, in which inaj. gen. Clinion assisted, who fol- 
 followed the reinforcement. And in justice to brig. gen. Pigot, J am to add, 
 that (he success of the day must, in great measuie, be attributed to his firmness 
 and gallantry. Lieut, cols. Nesbilt, Abercrombie, and Clarke; Majors Butler, 
 Williams, Bruce, Spondlovc, Smelt, Mitchell, Pitcairn and Short, exerted 
 themselves remarkably ; and the valour of the British officers and soldiers in 
 general, was at no time more conspicuous than in this action. 
 
 Killed and wounded. 1 Lieut, col., 2 majors, 7 captains, 9 lieutenants, 15 
 Serjeants, 1 drummer, 191 rank and file, killed. 3 Majors, 27 captains, 33 
 lieutenants, 8 ensigns, 40 Serjeants, 12 drummers, 700 rank and file, wounded. 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESS ACCOUNT. 
 
 In obedience to the order of the general congress, this committee have in- 
 quiied into the premises, and, upon the best information obtained, find, that 
 the commanders of the New England ariny had, about the fourteenth ult le- 
 ceived advice that general Gage had issued orders for a party of the troops 
 under his command to post themselves on Bunker's hill, a promontory just at 
 the entrance of the peninsula at Charlestown, which orders were soon to be 
 executed ; upon which it was determined, with the advice of this committee 
 to send a party, who might erect some fortifications upon the said bill, and de- 
 feat the design of our enemies. Accordingly, on the 16th ult., orders were 
 issued that a detachment of one thousand men should that evening march to 
 Charlestown, and intrench upon that hill Just before nine o'clock thev left 
 Cambridge, and proceeded to Breed's Hill, situated on the further part of the 
 peninsula, next to B«ston, (for by some mistake this hill was marked out for 
 the intrenchraent instead of the other.) Many things being necessary to be 
 done preparatory to the intrenchmenls being thrown up, which could "not be 
 done before, lest the enemy should discover and defeat the design, it was near- 
 ly twelve o'clock before the works were entered upon. They were then carried 
 on with the utmost diligence and alacrity ; so that by the dawn of day they 
 had thrown up a small redoubt about eight rods square. At this time a 
 heavy fire began from the enemy's ships, a number of flontin^ batteries and 
 from a fortification of the enemy's, upon Copp's Hill, in Boston, directly op- 
 posite our little redoubt. An incessant shower of shot and bombs was rained 
 by these upon our works. The Americans continued to labour indefatigiibiy 
 till they had thrown up a small breastwork, extending from the east side of 
 the redoubt to the bottom of the hill, but were prevented con.pleting it hy the 
 intolerable fire of the enemy. Between twelve and one o'clock, a number of 
 boats and barges, filled with the regular troops from Boston, were observed 
 approaching towards Charlestown ; these troops landed at a place called 
 Moreton's Point, situated a little to the eastward of owr works. This bi'^^^ade 
 formed upon their landing, and stood thus formed till a second detacbinent 
 arrived from Boston to join them; having sent out large flank guaids, il ey 
 began a very slow march towards our lines. At this instant, smoke and dames 
 were seen to arise from the town of Charlestown, which had been set on fire 
 by the enemy, that the smoke might cover their attack upon our lin»s, and 
 perhaps with a design to rout or destroy one or two of our regiments v\ ho had 
 been posted in that town. If either of these was their design, they were dis- 
 appointed ; for the wind shifting on a sudden, carried the smoke another way 
 and the regiments were already removed. Our troops, within their intrerch- 
 ments, impatiently awaited the attack of the enemy, and reserved their fire 
 till they came within ten or twelve rods, and then began a furious discharge of 
 small arms. This fire arrested the enemy, which they for some time returned 
 without advancing a step, and then retreated in disorder and with great pre- 
 cipitation to the place of landing, and some of them sought refuge even within 
 their boats. Here the officers were observed by the spectators on the opposite 
 shore, to run down to them, using the most passionate gestures, and pushing 
 the men forward with their swords. At length they were rallied, and march- 
 ed up, with apparent reluctance, towards the intrenchmerts ; the Americans 
 again reserved their fire until the enemy came within five or sis rods, and a 
 second time put the regulars to flight, who ran in great confusion towards their 
 boats. Similar and superior exertions were now necessarily made by the offi- 
 cers, which, notwithstanding the men discovered an almost insuperable reluc- 
 tance to fighting in this cause, were again successful. They formed once 
 more, and havirrg brought some cannon to bear in si^ch a manner as to rake 
 the inside of the breast-work, from one end of it to the other, our troops re- 
 treated within their little fort. The ministerial army now made a decisive 
 
30 
 
 effort. The fire from the ships and batteries, as well as from the cannon in 
 the front of their army, was redoubled The officers in the rear of their 
 army were ohservetl to goad forward the men with renewed exertions, and they 
 attacked the redoul'l on tliree sides at once. The breast-wr>rk on the outside 
 of the fort was abandoned ; our ammunition was expended, and but few of our 
 troops had bayonets to affix to their muskets. Can it then be wondered that 
 the word was given by the coiTim.inder of the party to retreat ? but this he 
 delayed till the redoubt was half filled with regulars, aud our troops had kept 
 the enemy at bay some lime, confronting theui with the butt end of their mus- 
 kets, the retreat of this little handful of brave men would have been efi'i-ctually 
 cut ofl", had it not hajjpened that the flanking party of the enemy, which was to 
 have come upon the back of the redoubt, was checked by a party of our men, 
 who fought with the utmost bravery, and kept them from advancing farther 
 than the beach ; the engagement of these two parties was kept up with the 
 utmost vigour ; and it must be acknowledged that this party of the ministerial 
 troops evinced a courage worthy of a better cause : all their efforts however 
 •♦re insufficient to compel their equally gallant opponents to retreat, till their 
 main body had left the hill ; perceiving this was done, they then gave ground, 
 but with more regularity than could be expected of troops who had no longer 
 been under discipline, and many of whom never before saw an engagement. 
 
 In this retreat the Americans had to pass over the neck which joins the 
 peninsula of Charlestown to the main land. This neck was commanded by the 
 Glasgow man of war, and two floating batteries, placed in such a manner as 
 that their shot raked every part of it. The incessant fire kept up across this 
 neck had, from the beginning of the engagement, prevented any considerable 
 reinforcements from getting to our troops on the hill, and it was feared it 
 tvould cut offtheir retre»t, but they retired over it with little or no loss. 
 
 With a ridiculous parade of triumph, the ministerial generals again took 
 possession of the hill which had served them as a retreat in flight from the 
 battle of Concord. It was expected that they would prosecute the supposed 
 advantage they had gained, by marching immediately to Cambridge; which 
 was distant but two miles, and which was not then in a state of defence. This 
 they failed to do. The wonder excited by such conduct soon ceased, when, by 
 the best accounts from Boston, we are told, that of 3000 men who marched out 
 upon this expedition, no less than 1500 (ninety-two of whom were commission- 
 ed officers) were killed or wounded ; and about 1200 of tlien* either killed or 
 mortally wounded. Such a slaughter was perhaps ne»er before made upon 
 British troops in the space of about an hour, during which the heat of the en- 
 g;igeraent lasted, by about 1.50C» men, which were the most that were at any 
 time engaged on the American side. The loss of the New England army 
 amounted, according to an exact return, to 145 killed and missing, and 304 
 wounded : thirty of the first were wounded and taken prisoners by the enemy. 
 Among the dead was major general Joseph VVakren, a man whose memory 
 tvill be endenred to his countrymen, and to the worthy in every part and age of 
 the world, so long as virtue and valour shall be esteemed among mankind. The 
 heroic colonel Gardner, of Cambridge, has since died of his wounds ; and 
 the brave lieutenant colonel Parker of Chelmsford, who was wounded and 
 taken prisonor, perished in Boston gaol. These three, with major Moore, and 
 
 PH^ "major M'CIary, who nobly struggled in the cause of their country, were the 
 
 '.- only officers of distinction which we lost. Some officers of great worth, though 
 
 inferior in rank, were killed, whom we deeply lament. But the officers and 
 
 ^» soldiers in general, who were wounded, are in a fair way of recovery. The 
 town of Charlestown, the buildings of which were large and elegant, and which 
 
 >0 contained effects belonging to the unhappy suflerers in Boston, to a very great 
 amount, was entirely <lestroyed, and its chimnies and cellars now present a 
 prospect to the Americans, exciting an indignation in their bosoms, which 
 nothing can appease but the sacrifice of those miscreants, who have introduecd 
 
 ■J horror, desolation, and havoc into these once happy abodes of liberty, peace, 
 
 '/^ and plenty. We wish for no farther effusion of blood, if the freedom and 
 peace of America can be secured without it ; but if it must be otherwise, we 
 are determined to struggle. We disdain life without liberty. 
 
 Oh Britons ! be wise for yourselves before it is too late ; and secure a 
 friendly intercourse with the American colonies ; disarm your ministerial as- 
 sassins ; put an end to this unnatural war, and suffer not any rapacious despots 
 to amuse you with the unprofitable ideas of your right to tax and officer the 
 colonies, till the most profitable and advantageous trade you have is sacrificed. 
 Be wise for yourselves, and the Americans will contribute to and rejoice in your 
 prosperity. J. Palmer, per order. 
 

 
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